Abstract: A method includes provisioning a mobile user with usage minutes for usage calls. The method includes determining whether the mobile user and a telephone user either belong to the same provider or different providers after a call between the users is initiated. The call is designated as a usage call if the users belong to different providers. If the call is a usage call, then the mobile user is advised that the call is a usage call and the number of usage minutes remaining and an affirmation from the mobile user is required to complete the call.

Abstract: All calls terminating to a customer's directory number are intercepted. If caller identification information can be presented, the call is forwarded to a service node for disposition. The service node reconfigures signaling information of the call so that the call is not intercepted, then forwards the call to the subscriber's telephone. When the call is answered, the service node states the name or telephone number of the calling party which has been retrieved from the signaling information. The caller can decide whether to take the call, deny the call, send the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message or other disposition option.

Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying redirected calls are provided. A method may include receiving data related to a call termination request. The call termination request may indicate call redirection. The method may also include selecting one of a plurality of distinctive rings in response to the data related to the call termination request. A first distinctive ring is selected when a redirect number address associated with the call termination request does not match a specified redirect number address.

Abstract: A provisioning server implements a telephony service associated with a user, in which calls involving a directory number of the user are processed in accordance with the telephony service and customized call service data. The provisioning server interfaces a call processor with a web server and an interactive voice response (IVR) platform. The provisioning server includes a first interface for receiving the customized call service data from the web server, and a second interface for receiving at least portion of the customized call service data from the IVR platform. The provisioning server also includes a third interface for sending the customized call service data to be stored in a database accessible to the call processor. An instruction is received over the first interface or the second interface to activate the telephony service, in accordance with the customized call service data, via one of the web server and the IVR platform.

Abstract: An efficient and effective system and method for screening calls is based upon user provided call screening preferences. The present embodiments utilize multiple types of information to effectively screen incoming and outgoing calls. The present embodiments also allow for the user to be notified of the calls that were screened.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced caller identification screening using audible caller name announcement are disclosed. Generally, a request for audible caller identification associated with a calling communication station is transmitted to the calling communication station based on an analysis of a query comprising data indicating whether presentation of standard call identification information to a called communication station. Audible caller identification information is then received and transmitted to the called communication station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bleach-free detergent tablet for use in the laundering of coloured garments. The tablet composition provides a pH through the wash of less than 9, comprises at least one surfactant and has a normalised soil removal index of greater than minus 2.

Abstract: The invention is a system for monitoring and reporting the activity level and caloric expenditure of an individual. The system has sensors in electronic communication with a wearable device. A processor is programmed to communicate with the sensor and a computing device to activity data from movement-related data. A remote server receiving the activity data and the data from computing device, and generates a graphical presentation. The graphical presentation comprises information related to the activity data. The wearable device also provides visual and audio data.

Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prepaid dialtone services. The system includes a prepaid dialtone service center having an applications server that maintains a prepaid dialtone subscriber database including subscriber identification and service period information. The applications server is configured to automatically remind subscribers to renew their prepaid dialtone account and communicates with a local exchange carrier to place a hold on, or cancel, an expired subscriber account. The method includes the features of determining and monitoring a service period for a prepaid dialtone subscriber, communicating a reminder to the subscriber prior to expiration of the service period, and communicating with a local exchange carrier servicing the subscriber upon expiration of the service period.

Abstract: A telecommunications service controls and monitors telephone calls by storing at a service control point (SCP) restricted telephone numbers and priority telephone numbers. Upon receiving call data relating to a call between a subscriber telephone number and an outside telephone number, the SCP determines whether the outside telephone number matches the restricted or priority telephone numbers. When the outside telephone number matches a restricted telephone number, the call is terminated and the SCP stores the call data. When the outside telephone number does not match a restricted telephone number, or matches a priority telephone number, the call is connected. The SCP transmits stored call data to a service management system, which is accessible by the subscriber via the Internet or an interactive voice response, for generating reports. The service further includes time schedules for implementing call restrictions and personal identification number for bypassing call restrictions.

Abstract: A master database stores a speed dial list associated with a user of multiple telecommunications services. The database shares the speed dial list with the telecommunication services such that a single speed dial list serves all of the user's telecommunications services. The database receives speed dial list changes made through one of the telecommunications services and shares the speed dial list changes with the other telecommunications services that the speed dial list is maintained in synchronicity amongst the telecommunications services. As a result, the user does not have to manually keep separate speed dial lists synchronized nor does the user have to memorize or access separate speed dial lists. The speed dial list is locally accessible to the user by being stored on a user phone. The speed dial list is also remotely accessible to the user as the database receives user queries from the user via a user phone.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for blocking a telephone call from a calling party to a called party, the calling party associated with a calling party directory number, including a local-designated trunk group over which the incoming telephone call from the calling party is received. A service switching point is coupled with the local-designated trunk group, the service switching point receiving the telephone call, generating a query message including the calling party directory number, and sending the query message to a service control point. The service control point is coupled with the service switching point, receives the query message, and determines if the calling party is inter Local Access and Transport Area (interLATA) with respect to the service switching point.

Abstract: A method for a user to manage calls includes provisioning the user with mobile minutes for calls within the same provider and usage minutes for usage calls. Upon a call between the user and another user it is determined whether the users have the same provider. The call is a mobile call within the same provider if the users have the same provider and is a usage call if the users have different providers. The call is completed if the call is a mobile call within the same provider and if the user has unlimited mobile minutes. If the call is a mobile call within the same provider and if the user has limited mobile minutes and if the some of the mobile minutes remain, then the user is advised accordingly. The call is a usage call if no mobile minutes remain regardless if the call is a mobile call within the same provider. The user is advised accordingly if the call is a usage call.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a venue to selectively block incoming calls to cellular phones located at the venue includes the venue providing a provider with a list of selected cellular phones which are to be able to receive incoming calls while located at the venue. In response to receiving an incoming call to a recipient cellular phone, the provider determines whether the recipient phone is a selected phone and compares the recipient phone and venue locations to determine whether the recipient phone is located at the venue. The provider blocks the call if the recipient phone is located at the venue and if the recipient phone is not a selected phone. The provider establishes the call if the recipient phone is located at the venue and if the recipient phone is a selected phone, and the provider establishes the call if the recipient phone is not located at the venue.

Abstract: A telecommunications service implements an account code reporting feature by storing an account code associated with a subscriber at a service control point (SCP) in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). When a call is initiated from the subscriber's terminal, the SCP receives outgoing call data, including the subscriber's telephone number, a called party number and an account code entered from the subscriber's terminal. The SCP determines whether the call is subject to the account code reporting service and, if so, stores the call data. The SCP transmits the call data to a service management system accessible by the subscriber via a graphical user interface through a packet switched data network and an interactive voice response through the PSTN. The call is subject to the account code reporting service when the called party number is in the same local access and transport area as the subscriber's telephone number.

Abstract: The invention is a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, having sensors to generate data indicative of a physiological or contextual parameters of a user. A processor on the wireless communications device is adapted derive physiological state information of the user from the contextual or physiological parameters. The apparatus may include a central monitoring unit remote from the sensors for storing data and transmitting data to a recipient.

Abstract: A construction layout and angle measurement tool includes opposite working sides having unique indicia for establishing angles from side edges or corners of building materials. When used with a reference line, and when attached to the workpiece, the tool allows site layout and evaluation by only one person. The tool may be mounted on vertical, horizontal, and inclined workpieces. Angles are determined and evaluated directly with the tool while avoiding mathematical computation.

Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.