Patents by Inventor Francis M. Fenton

Francis M. Fenton 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).

  • Call transfer method and circuitry
    Patent number: 4560837
    Abstract: In the disclosed call transfer method and circuitry, audibly distinguishable ringing signals at a station set enable an answering party to determine whether a received call is either the original call or a previously answered call. Line status LEDs at each station set give specific visual indications to trace the progress of a call transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: AT&T Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Carson, Francis M. Fenton, David F. Jones
  • Communication system conferencing arrangement
    Patent number: 4150259
    Abstract: A communication conferencing arrangement is disclosed which relies upon the use of a plus/minus (+/-) nonlocking button followed by the operation of a button associated with any other line appearing at the station. If the operated line button is associated with a currently active line that line will be removed from the conference. If, however, the operated button is associated with a nonactive line (held or idle) then that line will be added, in conference fashion, with the communication leads of the enabling station. Provision is made to allow any number of added connections up to a preset maximum number at any station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventors: Francis M. Fenton, James H. Van Ornum, Tse L. Wang, Carl D. Weiss
  • Communication system call coverage arrangements
    Patent number: 4150257
    Abstract: Call coverage problems are solved in a telephone communication system by arranging the system on a station orientation basis so that any call directed to a station on any line appearance at that station will be covered by a single button on any one of a number of other coverage station sets. Any other station may also have its calls directed to that same coverage station set and, if desired, to the same call coverage button on the covering set. By separating ringing signals and flashing signals and by handling each on a station basis, it is possible to allow both ringing and visual signals of the call if covered by one station, whereas if call coverage is handled by another station it can be arranged so that only visual signals will be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventors: Francis M. Fenton, John A. Miller, Thomas M. Quinn, James H. Van Ornum, Tse L. Wang
  • Communication system conferencing arrangement
    Patent number: RE31534
    Abstract: A communication conferencing arrangement is disclosed which relies upon the use of a plus/minus (+/-) nonlocking button followed by the operation of a button associated with any other line appearing at the station. If the operated line button is associated with a currently active line that line will be removed from the conference. If, however, the operated button is associated with a nonactive line (held or idle) then that line will be added, in conference fashion, with the communication leads of the enabling station. Provision is made to allow any number of added connections up to a preset maximum number at any station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventors: Francis M. Fenton, James H. Van Ornum, Tse L. Wang, Carl D. Weiss