Patents by Inventor Lee R. Johnson

Lee R. Johnson 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).

  • Publication number: 20030086546
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of offering a service to a user. The method comprises receiving a dialed number from a request to initiate a collect telephone call from an origination source; processing the dialed number to determine whether payment may be received for the collect telephone call, wherein the processing blocks the collect call and stores the dialed number when the processing determines that payment may not be received for the collect telephone call; and establishing a telephone connection with the dialed number to communicate an offer for the service to a user associated with the dialed number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Falcone, Keith S. Kelson, Jeremy W. Duke, Lee R. Johnson, Robert E. Sullivan, Randy Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020194096
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing profitability is provided disclosing an intelligent customer scoring system (iCSS) for receiving a telephone number and transaction request. When the iCSS receives an initial transaction request, it accesses local information related to the number to predict a real-time initial customer score, wherein the requested initial transaction is allowed in real-time based on a comparison of the initial customer score, an expected profitability of the transaction, and a predetermined threshold level. The iCSS accesses information related to the number and the profitability of the transactions to refine the customer score. When the iCSS receives a subsequent transaction request, it is allowed or denied by comparing the refined customer score and expected profitability with the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Falcone, Keith S. Kelson, Jeremy W. Duke, Lee R. Johnson, Robert E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6195530
    Abstract: An interactive terminal comprises a processor, a local data store connected to the processor, a character generator responsive to processor control for generating a television signal output to an associated television receiver, a key pad or remote control for inputting information to the processor, and a power supply input. The terminal is coupled, via 2-way RF communications, to a central location, designated as the system manager, where the terminal is accessed by polling for monitoring and servicing terminal user requests. The interactive terminal has a local storage capacity for storing a number of character screen commands, accessed from a central data base at the system manager, for use in generating prompting screens displayed on the television receiver. In use, a user may call for a variety of services by operating the input keys of the key pad to cause a prompting screen to be displayed. Screen commands are stored at the terminal according to an assigned priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Smith, Lee R. Johnson, Howard L. Myers
  • Patent number: 5754940
    Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Smith, Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5355480
    Abstract: An interactive terminal comprises a processor, a local data store connected to the processor, a character generator responsive to processor control for generating a television signal output to an associated television receiver, a key pad or remote control for inputting information to the processor, and a power supply input. The terminal is coupled, via 2-way RF communications, to a central location designated as the system manager, where the terminal is accessed by polling for monitoring and servicing terminal user requests. The interactive terminal has a local storage capacity for storing a number of character screen commands, accessed from a central data base at the system manager, for use in generating prompting screens displayed on the television receiver. In use, a user may call for a variety of services by operating the input keys of the key pad to cause a prompting screen to be displayed. Screen commands are stored at the terminal according to an assigned priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Smith, Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5282028
    Abstract: A remote control system including a hand held remote control unit with an alphanumeric information display, for controlling and communicating with a first controlled device, such as a digital music tuner connected to a community antenna television (CATV) cable, and for controlling a selected one of a plurality of second controlled devices, such as CATV set-top units, VCRs, or television sets. A first, high speed, error free display information communications protocol is utilized for transmitting program content or other information from a device, such as the CATV-connected music tuner, to the remote control unit for display. A second or control communications protocol is utilized by the remote control unit for controlling the first controlled device and a selected one of the second controlled devices. The CATV cable-connected music tuner utilizes the 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Luis A. Rovira, Leo Montreuil, William E. Wall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5272752
    Abstract: A system and method for using two simple transactions to enable the disconnection of unauthorized receiver terminals. This is accomplished in accordance with the invention by sending an addressed transaction to every known valid receiver terminal giving each one the current authorization code. After this command has been sent several times to each valid receiver terminal, a global transaction is sent to all terminals containing the current and previous authorization codes. If any receiver terminal receiving this transaction does not find a match between its stored authorization code and either of the transmitted authorization codes, it will deauthorize itself. Once into the transmission cycle, the current authorization code will become the previous authorization code and a new authorization code will be generated. The global command will be sent periodically while all the valid receiver terminals are updated with the new authorization code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Myers, Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5271011
    Abstract: A system and method for disabling the output of a data transmission system when a relatively high error rate is detected in the transmitted signal. The error muting technique of the invention functions as the digital equivalent of a leaky integrator with hysteresis. In particular, the signal quality of the received data transmission is monitored, and a predetermined value is added to an accumulator or error counter when an error is detected. This value varies depending upon the nature of the detected error such that more serious errors are given greater error values. The error counter is also decremented by one or some other amount at a programmable time interval in accordance with the maximum acceptable error rate. The error count (accumulator sum) is continuously compared to a programmable error threshold, and if the threshold is exceeded, the output of the data transmission system is disabled, or in the case of a digital audio transmission system, is muted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay C. McMullan, Jr., Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5077607
    Abstract: A cable television transaction terminal comprises a keyboard for entry of selection and field completion data and a teletext screen generator for actuating a visual display of teletext screens comprising selection items or completion fields. Each screen is uniquely identified and stored in terminal memory prior to display with an associated key template for defining selection and field completion data. A review of transactions is actuated by display of a first teletext screen and entry of an associated key response. Payment for transaction is actuated by display of a second teletext screen and entry of an associated key response. For example, a hotel guest may check out of a hotel room without visiting the front desk via the cable television terminal in his room or order room service for delivery at a particular time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers, Fitzroy E. Williams, Curt M. Kuban
  • Patent number: 5057591
    Abstract: The invention is a solution of highly advanced phenolic resin with improved inherent foamability that is made from the reaction of phenol, aldehyde, water and alkali the improved foamability being brought about by the incorporation of up to 1.0% by weight, anhydrous basis, lime (calcium hydroxide) into the early stages of the reaction mix. In another embodiment, the invention is a plywood glue composition comprising a solution of lime-containing highly advanced phenolic resin, dried animal blood and preferably an aldehyde glue viscosity-lowering agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Borden, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Detlefsen, Lewis D. Creel, Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5053883
    Abstract: A method of transferring data from a plurality of remote terminals to a central location over a communication network is disclosed. First random numbers are respectively generated for each of the remote terminals. A mask value is then determined. The random numbers associated with the remote terminals are compared with the mask value to determine whether a respective terminal attempts to transfer data to the central location. In a disclosed embodiment the method is used to locate new terminals in a hotel or hospital system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5001554
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver is provided. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data for generating a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, a character generator for generating character screens from the stored character screen data at the television receiver, a deauthorization mechanism responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory for deauthoring selected ones of the plurality of channels, and a controller for controlling the memory and the character generator, and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for display at the television receiver in accordance with the deauthorization of a channel by the deauthorization mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers, Curt M. Kuban
  • Patent number: 4994908
    Abstract: An interactive room status/time information system is provided having a terminal associated with a television comprising a processor for processing data, an associated memory for storing operation data and control algorithms, a keypad with remote control for inputting information, a character generator responsive to the processor for generating a multiple character, multiple line display, a power supply input, and a cable transmission link for communication at television frequencies with a system manager. A maid or inspector can send status information from a hotel/hospital room terminal over a cable television system to a system manager location. The status of a room for occupancy is determined by a two-step procedure. Input from both a maid and an inspector must be received before a room has a ready-for-occupancy status. Screens of compiled room status and historical data can be displayed at the system manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt M. Kuban, Jeffrey C. Ting, Fitzroy E. Williams, Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers
  • Patent number: 4991011
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a television terminal selectively provides a background audio or video signal or both to accompany display of a screen of textual information. The apparatus comprises a tuning circuit for tuning to a predetermined background channel determined by user selection of a particular textual information screen for display. As a result, dinner music may accompany textual informative screens related to the choice of a meal. Alternatively, instructions on how to purchase a movie might be accompanied in the background by the movie. Either the movie picture or the sound or both may accompany the instruction screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4987486
    Abstract: A two-way interactive addressable entertainment terminal comprises a processor, a keyboard, a character generator responsive to the processor and memory for storage of an algorithm related to the installation of the terminal and to providing a verification indication at the terminal of acknowledged entry of the terminal into an entertainment system. The character generator, responsive to the passage of a predetermined period of time since the application of power to the terminal, causes a number of screens to be displayed on an associated television receiver. The display screens reinforce the algorithm and provide indications of programmed key functions despite labels of keys on the keyboard. Consequently, a user or installer is capable of installing a terminal according to the present invention without any communication with personnel at the location of a system manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabath A. Smith, Howard L. Myers
  • Patent number: 4709829
    Abstract: An orifice which is an integral part of or attached to the underside of a beverage container top surface allows a corrugated straw with an air chamber near its bottom to emerge when the beverage container is opened with a specially-constructed pull tab assembly, whereupon said air chamber, being firmly attached to or a formed part of said straw, seats in a narrow area of said orifice permitting extension ofthe corrugated straw enabling one to drink the beverage container's complete liquid content through said straw without contact of mouth to container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventors: Lee R Johnson, Lee K. Johnson
  • Patent number: RE36368
    Abstract: A two-way interactive addressable entertainment terminal comprises a processor, a keyboard, a character generator responsive to the processor and memory for storage of an algorithm related to the installation of the terminal and to providing a verification indication at the terminal of acknowledged entry of the terminal into an entertainment system. The character generator, responsive to the passage of a predetermined period of time since the application of power to the terminal, causes a number of screens to be displayed on an associated television receiver. The display screens reinforce the algorithm and provide indications of programmed key functions despite labels of keys on the keyboard. Consequently, a user or installer is capable of installing a terminal according to the present invention without any communication with personnel at the location of a system manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers
  • Patent number: RE36988
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver is provided. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data for generating a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, a character generator for generating character screens from the stored character screen data at the television receiver, a deauthorization mechanism responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory for deauthoring selected ones of the plurality of channels, and a controller for controlling the memory and the character generator, and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for display at the television receiver in accordance with the deauthorization of a channel by the deauthorization mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Smith, Howard L. Myers, Curt M. Kuban