Patents by Inventor Carleton A. Smith

Carleton A. Smith 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: 20250211673
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first call; identifying a first telephone number associated with the first call; receiving a second call; identifying a second telephone number associated with the second call; determining to banish the second call, at least in part based the second telephone number and a determination that a number of calls associated with the first telephone number exceeds a predetermined threshold; and banishing the second call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventor: Carleton A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5629978
    Abstract: A system and method for purchasing, customizing and modifying switch-based and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) telephone services through the Broadband Network. The system and method utilize a Graphical User Interface (GUI), a remote control and a Set Top Terminal (STT). The GUI is operative to access both Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and non-PSTN telephone services. The remote control is similarly operative to navigate the GUI. Finally, the STT, which is provided in electrical communication with the GUI and the Broadband Network is provided for receiving downloaded video for display to the subscriber on the GUI and sending upstream signaling to the Broadband Network. The Graphical User Interface leads the telephone services subscriber through configuration options and permits the subscriber to easily purchase, customize and modify selected telephone services without direct interaction with service provider personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: US WEST Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Blumhardt, Carleton A. Smith