Abstract: A system and method for initiating communications with a called party using a wireless device. The wireless device comprises an input element and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, when a specific input is entered using the input element, the wireless device performs the following tasks: disabling one or more components of the wireless device; establishing a wireless communication session with the called party; communicating with a location system to generate location information of the location of the wireless device; and providing the location information to the called party. In other embodiments, the wire device performs additional tasks, including: capturing content during the wireless communication; communicating with the location system to generate subsequent location information; and providing one or more of the subsequent location information and the content to the called party.

Abstract: A system for and method of cellular telephone system monitoring includes a cellular switch which is remotely accessed and placed in a call monitor mode. A GPS receiver is connected to a mobile telephone via an interface unit. Call performance information (e.g., signal strength, BER and call events) are recorded at the switch and downloaded to a remote computer that includes a display. GPS location information is transmitted by the mobile telephone and received by the remote computer via the switch. The computer receives and stores the recorded call and GPS information and graphically displays this information, along with a map indicating the location of the mobile telephone. Preferably, the call information is first parsed, converted and/or scaled to conform to a standard file format.

Abstract: A device for managing text messages sent by an advertiser to mobile subscribers. According to one embodiment, the device may include an advertiser interface module for receiving from the advertiser content of a text message and at least one criterion. In addition, the device may include a database management module in communication with the advertiser interface module for interrogating a database to determine the mobile subscribers that satisfy the criterion.

Abstract: A system for and method of cellular telephone system monitoring includes a cellular switch which is remotely accessed and placed in a call monitor mode. A GPS receiver is connected to a mobile telephone via an interface unit. Call performance information (e.g., signal strength, BER and call events) are recorded at the switch and downloaded to a remote computer that includes a display. GPS location information is transmitted by the mobile telephone and received by the remote computer via the switch. The computer receives and stores the recorded call and GPS information and graphically displays this information, along with a map indicating the location of the mobile telephone. Preferably, the call information is first parsed, converted and/or scaled to conform to a standard file format.

Abstract: The present invention is system and method for holding voice chat over a telephone network. An embodiment for implementing the invention can comprise the following steps. First, a caller accesses the chat service by dialing a telephone number that is associated with the service of the present invention. Second, the caller is routed to a conference bridge circuit. Third, the subscriber enters a public chat room. Fourth, the subscriber participates in the public chat room that he or she had entered. While in the public chat room, the subscriber hears the voices of other chatters in the public chat room, and those chatters hear the subscriber's voice when the subscriber speaks. Fifth, at anytime, the subscriber may leave the public chat room by pressing an appropriate key on the keypad. In the preferred embodiment, two or more chatters may request to be placed in a private chat room for a private discussion that is not heard by other chatters of the public chat room.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for reporting an emergency situation to a called party a using a wireless device. The wireless device comprises a keyboard and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, when a specific keystroke sequence is entered using the keyboard, the wireless device performs the following tasks: (1) disabling one or more components of the wireless device; (2) establishing a wireless communication session with the called party; (3) communicating with a location system to generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device; and (5) providing the location information to the called party. In other embodiments, the wire device performs additional tasks, including: (6) capturing content during the wireless communication; (7) communicating with the location system to generate subsequent location information; and (8) providing one or more of the subsequent location information and the content to the called party.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting failures in a wireless communications network. A computer is programmed to remotely access a platform, such as a network switch or database, that stores data indicative of the performance of the wireless communications network infrastructure. The computer downloads the data, parses the data to extract wireless communications network events such as dropped calls, noise or lack of audio, sorts the events, and passes the events through an event-to-failure mapping module to identify probable network component failures. Data is preferably analyzed over periods of less than 24 hours. The probable failures are preferably reported to network operations personnel who can then resolve the failures on a more timely basis.

Abstract: A holder for a removable memory component of a portable electronic device. The holder includes an electro-statically protective and securely closable pocket removably attachable to the device.

Abstract: A system and method for real time call monitoring of call performance information in a cellular telephone system. A cellular switch is remotely accessed and placed in a call monitor mode. Call performance information (signal strength, BER and call events) are thereafter recorded and downloaded to a remote computer system that includes a display. The computer system receives and stores the recorded call information and graphically displays the call information. Preferably, the call information received is first parsed, converted and/or scaled to conform to a standard file format. In this way, the graphically displayed call performance information can be easily understood by a user even if the call performance information comes from different switch types.

Abstract: An enhanced pop rivet capable of joining materials that may not be joined using a conventional pop rivet is provided. The pop rivet has contains a detachable shank that exposes a sharpened brad when removed. A user may then impale a second material with the sharpened brad so that the second piece of material becomes securely attached.

Abstract: A fastener and an installation tool are disclosed. The fastener is double-ended and allows two opposed items to be joined. The fastener also produces a blind joint, so that the fastener itself is invisible after the joint has been formed. An accompanying installation tool assists in installing one end of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener and an installation tool are disclosed. The fastener is double-ended and allows two opposed items to be joined. The fastener also produces a blind joint, so that the fastener itself is invisible after the joint has been formed. An accompanying installation tool assists in installing one end of the fastener.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting failures in a wireless communications network. A computer is programmed to remotely access a platform, such as a network switch or database, that stores data indicative of the performance of the wireless communications network infrastructure. The computer downloads the data, parses the data to extract wireless communications network events such as dropped calls, noise or lack of audio, sorts the events, and passes the events through an event-to-failure mapping module to identify probable network component failures. Data is preferably analyzed over periods of less than 24 hours. The probable failures are preferably reported to network operations personnel who can then resolve the failures on a more timely basis.