Patents by Inventor Michael A. Kepler
Michael A. Kepler 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).
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Patent number: 8447282Abstract: A communications system for providing a service includes an interface configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a requester seeking a desired listing from among a plurality of available desired listings. A processor is configured to obtain a stored profile associated with the requester, the profile including at least one delivery preference set by the requester relating to the format in which said requester desires to have the desired listing delivered to them. A device configured to provide a communication listing associated with the desired listing to the requester, in response to the directory assistance request, in accordance with the preference proscribed by the requester in the profile and then connecting the requester to a second communication listing associated with the desired listing.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Publication number: 20120281824Abstract: A communications system for providing a service includes an interface configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a requester seeking a desired listing from among a plurality of available desired listings. A processor is configured to obtain a stored profile associated with the requester, the profile including at least one delivery preference set by the requester relating to the format in which said requester desires to have the desired listing delivered to them. A device configured to provide a communication listing associated with the desired listing to the requester, in response to the directory assistance request, in accordance with the preference proscribed by the requester in the profile and then connecting the requester to a second communication listing associated with the desired listing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Patent number: 8229401Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Patent number: 8090090Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, A. Peter Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler, Christopher A. Huey
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Patent number: 8031855Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Adam J. McGrath, Timothy A. Timmins, Patrick M. Cox, Nicholas J. Elsey, A. Peter Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler
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Publication number: 20090156178Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Publication number: 20090110179Abstract: A system for use by a user to protect the privacy of selected telephone numbers in a directory includes a memory for storing a plurality of directories, each of which is associated with a single respective party and includes one or more telephone numbers at least one of which is to be used to contact selected parties associated with and different from the respective party. At least one directory further includes at least one indicator indicating that a telephone number, stored in the directory is to be disclosed only to a first predetermined group of persons associated with the single respective party. The system also includes a processor for allowing access to the at least one directory only to a second predetermined group that includes the first predetermined group of persons; and for providing the telephone number only to the first predetermined group of persons.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Publication number: 20090067608Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, A. Peter Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler, Christopher A. Huey
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Patent number: 7499537Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Patent number: 7388950Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Michael T. Samudio
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Patent number: 7142659Abstract: A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, Adrian P. Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler
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Patent number: 7110520Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, Adrian P. Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmons
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Patent number: 7103589Abstract: A system and method for searching, accessing updating database records on a plurality of geographically dispersed databases is provided. Update databases consisting of a plurality of update records having at least one field capable of being set to at least one particular value are used to update records in target databases. When a database search is conducted on one or more target databases, a search is also conducted on update databases associated with the target databases. The results of the searches are processed. If the at least one field in an update record is set to a predefined value, then all returned records equivalent to the update record are discarded. Otherwise, the update record is added to the search result.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Kepler, Christopher A. Huey, Runping Qi, Christopher A. Wake
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Patent number: 7020261Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Adam J. McGrath, Nicholas J. Elsey, A. Peter Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler, Timothy A. Timmins, Patrick M. Cox
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Patent number: 6944279Abstract: Individuals and groups of individuals, such as corporations, are provided access to one or more private directories. The private directories can be edited by an administrator. Access to the private directories may be limited by administrators of the private directories. Access to private directories is provided via a connection to directory assistance providers. Directory service providers are capable of facilitating the administration of the private directories as well as connecting users of private directories to contacts in the private directories. Access to the private directory may be obtained via an internet connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Michael Essex, John S. Stafford
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Patent number: 6917678Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, A. Peter Powell, Paul W. Filliger, Michael A. Kepler, Christopher A. Huey
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Publication number: 20050129208Abstract: A user calls a directory assistance service provider to search for a desired telephone number and be connected to a party at the desired number. In one such connection, the user is afforded enhanced directory assistance upon a user command in the form of an out-of-band signaling message, e.g., SS7 signaling message. For example, the user may be afforded further operator assistance by pressing on the user telephone a predetermined key (e.g., “*” key), which is detectable by the directory assistance service provider as an SS7 signaling message.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2005Publication date: June 16, 2005Inventors: Adam McGrath, Timothy Timmins, Patrick Cox, Nicholas Elsey, A. Powell, Paul Filliger, Michael Kepler
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Patent number: 6870921Abstract: Individuals and groups of individuals, such as corporations, are provided access to one or more private directories. The private directories can be edited by an administrator. Access to the private directories may be limited by administrators of the private directories. Access to private directories is provided via a connection to directory assistance providers. Directory service providers are capable of facilitating the administration of the private directories as well as connecting users of private directories to contacts in the private directories. Access to the private directory may be obtained via an internet connection.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael A. Kepler, Michael Essex, John S. Stafford
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Patent number: 6871082Abstract: A call management system is provided to manage the use of specified wireless telephones in order to limit or manage their use for unofficial calls and to report on official as well as unofficial uses. Calls originated from or directed to a controlled wireless telephone are routed to a call management center from a wireless central office. The call management center determines whether the call is approved by consulting a database of approved telephone numbers. If the call is approved it is completed normally. If the call is not approved, the caller is prompted to provide an access code. The call is completed if the access code matches a predetermined security code. Customizable exception reports are generated to reflect unofficial usage, incorrect access attempts, and other detailed information concerning the use of the specified wireless telephones.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Cox, Christopher A. Huey, Michael A. Kepler, Paul W. Filliger, A. Peter Powell
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Publication number: 20050041794Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “?” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2004Publication date: February 24, 2005Inventors: Patrick Cox, Adrian Powell, Paul Filliger, Michael Kepler, Timothy Timmins