Abstract: A hearing aid design is described that compartmentalizes hearing aid components for easier use and better operation. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry and transducers are disposed in housing designed to placed in the ear canal so as to be isolated from antennas and sources of noise. In one embodiment, the battery is moved out of the canal in a behind-the-ear housing so that the remaining components in the ear canal are smaller so as to improve fit rate.

Abstract: A hearing aid design is described that compartmentalizes hearing aid components for easier use and better operation. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry and transducers are disposed in housing designed to placed in the ear canal so as to be isolated from antennas and sources of noise. In one embodiment, the battery is moved out of the canal in a behind-the-ear housing so that the remaining components in the ear canal are smaller so as to improve fit rate.

Abstract: A prepay account management system having a prepay customer database operable to store a prepay customer account balance and an estimated usage data of a prepay customer. The system has a data link operable to transmit the prepay customer account balance and an actual usage data of the prepay customer between the prepay account management system and the billing system. Additionally, the system has a prepay server operable to receive the transmitted prepay customer account balance and the actual usage data, the prepay server operable to receive replenishing payment amounts. The prepay server also operable to update a current balance of the prepay customer account in response to the estimated usage data and the replenishing payment amounts and to reconcile a balance of the prepay customer account with the actual usage data of the prepay customer by comparing the estimated usage data with the actual usage data.

Abstract: A prepay account management system comprises a secure data link operable to transmit a prepay customer account and meter data, a prepay server operable to receive the transmitted customer account data, the prepay server operable to update a balance of a prepay customer account in response to usage charges and replenishing payment amounts, and a notification server operable to deliver a notification to the prepay customer in response to specific triggers associated with the prepay customer account according to the prepay customer preferences.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). An unregistered roaming call is recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for processing. The caller is prompted for a payment option which may include payment by credit card or a collect call. The caller is then prompted for a credit card number if the credit card option is selected. The credit card number may be validated and verified by a credit card verification processor (128) coupled to prepay call management platform (50).

Abstract: A telecommunications network including a Roaming Solution network, the network including a Roaming Server, a National Location Register, and an 800 number Remote Switching Unit. The network may be integrated with a standard SS7 type telecommunications network and further coupled to an account based billing and call control platform that allows registered wireless credit limited subscribers to place and receive calls when roaming outside of their Home Provider's network. The network may verify that the wireless subscriber's account balance is sufficient to place or receive the call, translates the account balance into talk minutes, and monitors the call for talk duration. The Roaming Solution network is further operable to disconnect the call in the first negative minute and immediately decrements the wireless subscriber's account.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call, management, platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of tracks, a head actuated over the disk, and control circuitry for servicing an access command received from a host, wherein the access command identifies at least one of the tracks. The control circuitry identifies a band of tracks associated with the access command, maintains a counter for tracking an amount of time the head is within the band of tracks, and moves the head out of the band of tracks in response to the counter to facilitate wear prevention.

Abstract: A Roaming Solution network system may include a Roaming Server, a National Location Register, and an 800 number Remote Switching Unit. The system is integrated with a standard SS7 type telecommunications network and further coupled to an account based billing and call control platform that allows registered wireless credit limited subscribers to place and receive calls when roaming outside of their Home Provider's network. The system verifies that the wireless subscriber's account balance is sufficient to place or receive the call, translates the account balance into talk minutes, and monitors the call for talk duration. The Roaming Solution network system is further operable such that if the wireless subscriber exceeds the available account balance, the system tears down the call in the first negative minute and immediately decrements the wireless subscriber's account.

Abstract: A method for real-time bundled call processing and billing telecommunications services includes the steps of recognizing a real-time bundled account access call at a telecommunications carrier switch, and routing the real-time bundled account access call to a real-time bundled call processing and billing call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. An account number and an optional personal identification number associated with the account are collected and verified. A destination number is then collected. A customer credit profile associated with the real-time bundled account is obtained from a database, and a method of computing charges associated with terminating the call to the collected destination number is determined. Next, whether the customer credit profile permits the call is determined. The call is released to the telecommunications carrier switch for line termination if it is permissible, and the call is monitored for call completion.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call, management, platform. (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: The invention is a Roaming Solution network system, the system including a Roaming Server, a National Location Register, and an 800 number Remote Switching Unit. The system is integrated with a standard SS7 type telecommunications network and further coupled to an account based billing and call control platform that allows registered wireless credit limited subscribers to place and receive calls when roaming outside of their Home Provider's network. The invention verifies that the wireless subscriber's account balance is sufficient to place or receive the call, translates the account balance into talk minutes, and monitors the call for talk duration. The Roaming Solution network system is further operable such that if the wireless subscriber exceeds the available account balance, the system tears down the call in the first negative minute and immediately decrements the wireless subscriber's account.

Abstract: The invention is a Roaming Solution network system, the system including a Roaming Server, a National Location Register, and an 800 number Remote Switching Unit. The system is integrated with a standard SS7 type telecommunications network and further coupled to an account based billing and call control platform that allows registered wireless credit limited subscribers to place and receive calls when roaming outside of their Home Provider's network. The invention verifies that the wireless subscriber's account balance is sufficient to place or receive the call, translates the account balance into talk minutes, and monitors the call for talk duration. The Roaming Solution network system is further operable such that if the wireless subscriber exceeds the available account balance, the system tears down the call in the first negative minute and immediately decrements the wireless subscriber's account.

Abstract: A method of providing wireless directory assistance service includes the steps of receiving a call placed by a caller at a telecommunications carrier switch, routing the call to a call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. A directory assistance service provider is contacted via the telecommunications carrier switch or via a frame relay network. The call is then split from the call to the directory assistance service provider. The call management platform then receives a destination number from the directory assistance service provider and supplies it to the caller in a voice announcement. The destination number may be received in-band or via the frame relay network. The call management platform waits a predetermined time period and then automatically connects the call to the destination number via the telecommunications carrier switch if the call has not been disconnected within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: The invention is a Roaming Solution network system, the system including a Roaming Server, a National Location Register, and an 800 number Remote Switching Unit. The system is integrated with a standard SS7 type telecommunications network and further coupled to an account based billing and call control platform that allows registered wireless credit limited subscribers to place and receive calls when roaming outside of their Home Provider's network. The invention verifies that the wireless subscriber's account balance is sufficient to place or receive the call, translates the account balance into talk minutes, and monitors the call for talk duration. The Roaming Solution network system is further operable such that if the wireless subscriber exceeds the available account balance, the system tears down the call in the first negative minute and immediately decrements the wireless subscriber's account.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: The prepay telecommunications system (60) includes a prepay call management platform (50) which is directly coupled to a telecommunications carrier switch (24). A customer database (116) is coupled to the prepay call management platform (50) for storing prepay customer data, and a plurality of customer interface facilities (62, 64, 66, 68, 80) are provided for accepting customer prepayment and immediately updating the customer database (116). The prepay calls are recognized by the mobile identification number and is routed to the prepay call management platform (50) coupled to and co-located with the telecommunications carrier switch (24). The customer account balance associated with the prepay call is looked up in a customer database (116), and the maximum allowable call duration in response to the customer account balance is computed. The prepay call is then released to the telecommunications carrier switch (24) for line termination. At the same time, a call duration timer is started.

Abstract: A method for prepaid bundled telecommunications services includes the steps of recognizing a prepaid account access call at a telecommunications carrier switch, and routing the prepaid account access call to a prepay call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. An account number and an optional personal identification number associated with a prepaid bundled telecommunications service account are collected and verified. A destination number is then collected. An account balance associated with the prepaid bundled telecommunications service account is obtained from a database, and a method of computing charges associated with terminating the call to the collected destination number is determined. Next, whether the prepaid account contained sufficient funds to pay for the call is determined. The call is released to the telecommunications carrier switch for line termination, and the call is monitored for call completion.