Patents by Inventor Brian Keith Rainer

Brian Keith Rainer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130252589
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8515395
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail password directly from the mobile device includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an interface for receiving user input to the VVM application, and a transceiver for communication with a VVM system. The VVM application includes an option to create a voicemail password. The method further includes: receiving a selection of the option to create the voicemail password, creating the voicemail password based upon an input of a password string, generating a request that includes instructions to the VVM system to associate the voicemail password with a voicemail account, and transmitting the request to the VVM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8509745
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 24) includes a memory (36, 62) and a processor (32, 60). The memory (36, 62) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 24) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 24) can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system (18, 24) can operate on a communications network (10), at a communications device (18), or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8504032
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided for a femto cell service framework for registration, activation, and provisioning of femtocell service. An account management service enables femtocell account creation, and registration thereof. Registration includes validation of wireless coverage for a location of operation of a femto AP, and validation of availability enhanced 911 (E911) service. As part of registration provisioning, record(s) are updated to indicate registration status. Connection of femto AP to a network interface triggers activation process; the femto AP delivers an activation request. A femto network validates registration of the connected femto AP and conducts a location tolerance check of a received actual location of the femto AP and a registered location. Upon tolerance validation, a cell identifier and radio frequency channel(s) are assigned to femto AP. When femto AP radiates wireless signal, network activation status indicators are provisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Lott, Ravindra Babu Gurajala, Kurt Donald Huber, Judson John Flynn, William Gordon Mansfield, Jefferey Thomas Seymour, Rahul Neelakantan, Thomas Joseph Pitassi, John Potts Davis, Alfreda Downie, Stephen Leon Favor, Brian Keith Rainer, Dipak Kumar Sahoo, Victoria Collier, William Adams, Glen Zdroik, Gerald V. Porter, Daniela Pechova Diefenbach, Robert Bryon Chambers, David Raymond Glass, Ewa Monika Reppling Sack, Liane F. Rulifson
  • Patent number: 8503988
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message from a mobile device at a voicemail system, resetting a current password to a default password at the voicemail system, and sending a response message request to a short message service center. The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center and sending the response message to the mobile device, wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8489074
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail greeting includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an I/O interface, and a microphone for receiving an audio input. The method further includes: receiving a selection for an option to record the voicemail greeting, receiving the audio input, recording the audio input as the voicemail greeting for a voicemail account associated with the mobile device, storing the recorded voicemail greeting in the memory, and generating a request that includes the recorded voicemail greeting, a network address for a VVM system, and instructions to set the voicemail greeting as an active voicemail greeting for the voicemail account. The method further includes transmitting the request to the VVM system and receiving a response from the VVM system that includes an indication of whether the voicemail greeting was set as the active voicemail greeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8478239
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system can include receiving a call at the voicemail system, wherein the call originates from a calling party device, determining if the calling party device is compatible with a video greeting feature, sending a video greeting to the called party device if it is determined that the calling party device is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device. Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device, the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device. Methods for operating a mobile device and a voicemail system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8442496
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8412162
    Abstract: A method for managing accessibility to a visual voicemail (VVM) service from a mobile device includes detecting that a first SIM has been inserted into a slot interface of the mobile device and establishing a data session with a VVM system to create a first VVM account. The first VVM account is configured to receive and store voicemail messages directed to a subscriber identified by the first SIM. The method further includes the mobile device receiving a voicemail message from the VVM system and storing the voicemail message in a memory. The method further includes the mobile device detecting the first SIM being removed and a second SIM being inserted into the slot interface. Upon insertion of the second SIM, the mobile device prevents access to the voicemail message associated with the first VVM account and communicative access to the first VVM account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8406743
    Abstract: Voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include at least one memory and at least one processor. A memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (24, 26, 28), forwarded to another voicemail system (24, 26, 28), provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system (24, 26, 28) and/or a mobile device (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8401526
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message (220) from a mobile device (118) at a voicemail system (102), resetting a current password to a default password (222) at the voicemail system (102), and sending a response message request (224) to a short message service center (122). The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center (122) and sending the response message (226) to the mobile device (118), wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130010937
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device. The device can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device. In some embodiments, the device can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device. In other embodiments, the device can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices and communications networks for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130012173
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8351903
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device (30) can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device (30). The device (30) can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device (30). In some embodiments, the device (30) can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device (30). In other embodiments, the device (30) can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices (30) and communications networks (10) for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8340644
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 30) includes a memory (38, 64) and a processor (34, 62). The memory (38, 64) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 30) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 30) can include functionality to allow a user to convert a voicemail message to a desired format and forward the file to one or more designated destinations. Methods (700, 800, 900, 1000) for forwarding one or messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8306509
    Abstract: A method (400) for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list (410) at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list (504) and recording an audio message (508) to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message (510) into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message (512) to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8032122
    Abstract: Methods for provisioning and initializing visual voicemail services on a mobile device, setting or changing a voicemail greeting for visual voicemail service, changing a password for accessing visual voicemail service, setting or changing a recorded name for a visual voicemail service, managing incoming voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system, managing a telephone user interface (TUI) for a visual voicemail system, managing multiple subscriber identify modules on a mobile device configured for visual voicemail service, and secure connections to a visual voicemail system are described herein. Corresponding systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20110085646
    Abstract: A voicemail system (100) can include at least one processor (104) and at least one communication interface (102) operatively linked and in communication with the at least one processor (104) that is configured to receive an incoming call. The voicemail system (100) can further include at least one memory (108) operatively linked and in communication with the processor (104), wherein the at least one memory (108) is configured to store a call treatment application (112) that includes at least one rule for determining call handling treatment of the incoming call. A method (400) for operating the voicemail system (100) can include receiving (406) an address message (200) at the voicemail system (100), wherein the address message (200) identifies at least a called party number (206) of the incoming call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100222024
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message (220) from a mobile device (118) at a voicemail system (102), resetting a current password to a default password (222) at the voicemail system (102), and sending a response message request (224) to a short message service center (122). The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center (122) and sending the response message (226) to the mobile device (118), wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device (118).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20100195807
    Abstract: A method (200) for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system (102) can include establishing a secure data session (212) between a voicemail system (102) and a mobile device (118). The voicemail system (102) can receive a voicemail message (202) that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system (102) can generate a notification message and can send the notification message (208) to the mobile device (118) that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device (102) can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information (234). The voicemail system (118) can send the requested voicemail message header information (236) to the mobile device (102) and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message (238).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer