Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are for monitoring the location of a wireless device and taking supervisory action in response to that location. Location information obtained from a user's wireless device, or otherwise concerning the present location of the user, is monitored and compared with one or more locations previously approved for that user. An exception is noted if the user reaches a non-approved location, or fails to timely arrive at an approved destination. In response to an exception, supervisory action is taken which may include contacting the wireless device, partially or completely disabling further service of that device, or contacting another person.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are for monitoring the location of a wireless device and taking supervisory action in response to that location. Location information obtained from a user's wireless device, or otherwise concerning the present location of the user, is monitored and compared with one or more locations previously approved for that user. An exception is noted if the user reaches a non-approved location, or fails to timely arrive at an approved destination. In response to an exception, supervisory action is taken which may include contacting the wireless device, partially or completely disabling further service of that device, or contacting another person.

Abstract: A fluid application apparatus is disclosed having adhesive compositions and controlled release compositions for applying treatments such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, to target plants, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the application apparatus includes a treatment release device adapted to release a pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, or the like, for adhesion to and treatment of a target plant, the release device comprising: a substrate; a quantity of media adapted to contain a controlled release composition disposed upon the substrate and adapted to release the controlled release composition to a target plant for treatment; and an adhesive composition disposed upon the substrate and adapted to adhere the treatment release device and the quantity of media adapted to contain a controlled release composition to the target plant for treatment.

Abstract: A credit card transaction authorization method includes receiving information concerning a prospective remote credit card transaction with a credit card, obtaining location information from a wireless network provider for a wireless terminal that is associated with a cardholder of the credit card for the prospective credit card transaction, and correlating a location of the wireless terminal with a registered purchasing location associated with the user. Authorization information for the prospective credit card transaction may be generated in response to a result of the correlation of the location of the wireless terminal and the registered purchasing location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are for monitoring the location of a wireless device and taking supervisory action in response to that location. Location information obtained from a user's wireless device, or otherwise concerning the present location of the user, is monitored and compared with one or more locations previously approved for that user. An exception is noted if the user reaches a non-approved location, or fails to timely arrive at an approved destination. In response to an exception, supervisory action is taken which may include contacting the wireless device, partially or completely disabling further service of that device, or contacting another person.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring the geographic location or velocity of a first wireless device relative to at least one other wireless device and noting an exception if the first wireless device moves beyond a predetermined threshold of separation from the second wireless device, or if the velocity of the first wireless device is outside a predetermined threshold. In response to an exception, supervisory action is taken which may include contacting the wireless device or contacting another person.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving data related to an item, the item being associated with a listed price and receiving data related to a user requested price for the item. Some embodiments include determining whether a first seller accepts the user requested price for the item and in response to a determination that the first seller accepts the user requested price, sending an offer to the user to purchase the item at the user requested price.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for combing, drying, and straightening hair with a device having one or more rows of teeth. Additionally, this technology provides for an adjustable tension mechanism that provides for the compression of hair, thus wringing it of water and providing the ability for a user to also straighten his or her hair. Furthermore, this technology provides for combing, drying, and straightening hair without utilizing an electric or heating means.

Abstract: An adjustable hair combing, drying, and straightening device and related method is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes: a first row of comb teeth disposed upon a comb body in a fixed position relative to a comb handle; a second row of comb teeth disposed upon the comb body and configured to slide in a generally parallel manner alongside the first row of comb teeth; an adjustable tension device disposed upon the comb body and configured to provide a tension between the first row of comb teeth and the second row of comb teeth, thereby configured to compress hair at a variable level of tension and provide a wring effect; and a tab, operable by a single digit of a user, disposed upon the comb handle, operable to regulate a position of the second row of comb teeth in relation to the first row of comb teeth.

Abstract: A method for sending a message from a telecommunications device to a receiving device. The method includes recording the message as an audio file, receiving an address of the receiving device, and sending the audio file as an attachment to an electronic mail message to the receiving device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for routing telephone calls on a standard telephone network to one of a PSTN network and a VoIP network. The system comprises at least one telephone capable of making local and long distance calls on the network. A Central Office is coupled to the telephone and comprises a trigger for identifying calls to be routed to either a VoIP platform or the PSTN network. Calls to be converted to IP protocol are routed to a VoIP platform. An IP network is coupled to the VoIP platform and routes VoIP calls to one or more devices in communication with the telecommunications system.

Abstract: Contact information management is described. In an embodiment, an account can be established for a subscriber to provide contact information for contacting the subscriber in the event that a disaster disrupts a regular communication service of the subscriber. The account can be indexed in a database by associating one or more identifiers for identifying the subscriber with the account, so that the account can be identified based on one or more of the identifiers. The account can be activated when the regular communication service of the subscriber has been disrupted by the disaster, so that the contact information can be provided to a searching person who is attempting to contact the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for delivering targeted information to a mobile wireless device based on proximity of the wireless device to a given destination location. The information may include travel or routing information directing the user of the mobile device to the destination location, and other information concerning the sponsor of a destination. The travel information may be tailored to the mode of locomotion inferred from movement information determined for a mobile wireless device carried by the user.

Abstract: A telecommunications device. The device includes a receiver for receiving an incoming call and a processor in communication with the receiver. The processor has a call hold module for placing the call on hold prior to the call being answered by a user of the telecommunications device.

Abstract: A credit card transaction authorization method includes receiving information concerning a prospective remote credit card transaction with a credit card, obtaining location information from a wireless network provider for a wireless terminal that is associated with a cardholder of the credit card for the prospective credit card transaction, and correlating a location of the wireless terminal with a registered purchasing location associated with the user. Authorization information for the prospective credit card transaction may be generated in response to a result of the correlation of the location of the wireless terminal and the registered purchasing location. Credit card transaction servers and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for combing, drying, and straightening hair with a device having one or more rows of teeth. Additionally, this technology provides for an adjustable tension mechanism that provides for the compression of hair, thus wringing it of water and providing the ability for a user to also straighten his or her hair. Furthermore, this technology provides for combing, drying, and straightening hair without utilizing an electric or heating means.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for personal data submission. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving data related to an item, the item being associated with a listed price and receiving data related to a user requested price for the item. Some embodiments include determining whether a first seller accepts the user requested price for the item and in response to a determination that the first seller accepts the user requested price, sending an offer to the user to purchase the item at the user requested price.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for routing telephone calls on a standard telephone network to one of a PSTN network and a VoIP network. The system comprises at least one telephone capable of making local and long distance calls on the network. A Central Office is coupled to the telephone and comprises a trigger for identifying calls to be routed to either a VoIP platform or the PSTN network. Calls to be converted to IP protocol are routed to a VoIP platform. An IP network is coupled to the VoIP platform and routes VoIP calls to one or more devices in communication with the telecommunications system.

Abstract: An access authorization server includes an access authorization processor configured to receive information concerning an access attempt at a subscribed location, to obtain location information from a wireless network provider for a wireless terminal associated with the subscribed location, to correlate a location of the wireless terminal with the subscribed location, to generate authorization information for the access attempt in response to a result of the correlation of the location of the wireless terminal and the subscribed location, and to transmit the authorization information to a security processor at the subscribed location or to the wireless terminal. Corresponding method and computer program embodiments are disclosed.