Abstract: In methods and apparatus for originating a voice call between first and second voice terminals, a voice call request is received at a data service node, the voice call request identifying the first voice terminal. A call origination request is transmitted from the data service node to a telecommunication switch, the call origination request identifying the first and second voice terminals. The telecommunications switch originates one call from the telecommunications switch to the second voice terminal and another call front the telecommunications switch to the first voice terminal. The telecommunications switch then connects the one call to the other call to connect the first voice terminal to the second voice terminal. The methods and apparatus are particularly useful in connection with advertising on the World Wide Web and in connection with international calling services.

Abstract: A hybrid multizone call delivery system delivers calls to portables by broadcasting from a central node a portable identification number (PIN) and dial-in number (DN) to all the zones in the system. Portables register their presence in zones as they roam throughout the coverage area. When a zone matches a broadcast PIN to a PIN registered therein, a zone controller pages the portable and initiates a call back to the broadcast DN. Upon receipt of the call back, the central node connects the incoming call to the portable through the call back connection.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for providing communications to a telecommunications terminal, a request for a page of data is received at a data service node, the request specifying at least one particular terminal. A terminal status request is sent from the data service node to a communications system which serves the particular terminal, the terminal status request specifying the particular terminal. The data service node receives from the communications system a terminal status message containing information indicating a current status of the particular terminal. The data service node sends to the data terminal a page of data indicating the current status of the particular terminal. The page of data comprises a communications request icon when the particular terminal is in a state in which it can communications.

Abstract: A method of providing call screening to a subscriber of personal communication services facilitates the screening of incoming calls by associating the number dialed by a calling party with a function or role of the dialed number. This function or role is then sent to the subscriber when an incoming call is received. This way, the subscriber can decide whether to answer the incoming call based upon knowing the role or context associated with the dialed number. The subscriber is also provided with user controlled features which can be invoked by the use of DTMF codes. The subscriber can place a calling party on hold prior to answering the incoming call. In addition, the subscriber can proceed with a call transfer from a wireless telephone to a wired telephone and vice-versa, while the call is still in progress. Another feature allows the subscriber to implement a real-time call screening, while the calling party is leaving a message on voice mail.

Abstract: A method of providing call screening to a subscriber of personal communication services facilitates the screening of incoming calls by associating the number dialed by a calling party with a function or role of the dialed number. This function or role is then sent to the subscriber when an incoming call is received. This way, the subscriber can decide whether to answer the incoming call based upon knowing the role or context associated with the dialed number. The subscriber is also provided with user controlled features which can be invoked by the use of DTMF codes. The subscriber can place a calling party on hold prior to answering the incoming call. In addition, the subscriber can proceed with a call transfer from a wireless telephone to a wired telephone and vice-versa, while the call is still in progress. Another feature allows the subscriber to implement a real-time call screening, while the calling party is leaving a message on voice mail.

Abstract: A wireless telephony system comprising a base station and at least one portable device. The base station employs a ratio frequency (RF) receiver and an optical transmitter. The portable device employs an optical receiver and an RF transmitter.

Abstract: A miniature electro-mechanical transducer uses a body of elastomeric material composed of alternate layers of flexible dielectric material and flexible conductive material. The ends of the layers form opposite surfaces. An actuating member moves against one surface and the other surface contacts two spaced electrodes. The arrangement is such that a progressively increasing number of layers of conductive material are brought into an electrically parallel circuit between the electrodes.