Patents by Inventor Carolyn B. Smith

Carolyn B. 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).

  • Apparatus and method for handling busy calls in telephone network
    Patent number: 5521965
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the completion rate of calls encountering a busy condition wherein the customer lines connected to a stored program controlled (SPC) switch having CLASS features are provided with a repeat call feature, comprising connecting such lines encountering a busy condition to announcement circuits in said switch which provide an announcement of the availability of a repeat call service for a specified charge upon the calling party disconnecting, reconnecting, and dialing specified characters. The announcement is followed by a simulated busy signal from the announcement circuitry. The switch thereupon periodically checks the condition of the called line for a predetermined period of time and upon detecting a free condition applies a distinctive ring signal to the calling line. Upon detection of the calling line going off-hook, the switch sends standard ringing to the called line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick D. D'Alessio, Robert E. Buchanan, Barbara A. Calautti, Carolyn B. Smith