Patents by Inventor Michael P. Link

Michael P. Link 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).

  • Credit card collect call system and method
    Patent number: 8238534
    Abstract: A system is provided for connecting collect calls. A collect call number for the collect call is received. A blocking status of the collect call number is determined. The collect call number is dialed. A call recipient is prompted to accept the collect call and to select a billing option according to the blocking status. The collect call is connected based on the selected billing option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Link, Kenneth A. Skupien, Pepper Mulherin
  • Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits
    Patent number: 7409051
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael P. Link
  • Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits
    Patent number: 7164757
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael P. Link
  • Credit card collect call system and method
    Patent number: 7013002
    Abstract: A method of providing collect call service includes receiving a request for a collect call from a calling party (18). A selected number to call is received. A call is placed to a receiving party (20). Agreeability of the receiving party (20) to accept the credit card billing for the collect call is determined. The calling party (18) is connected to the receiving party (20) in response to the acceptance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Link, Kenneth A. Skupien, Pepper Mulherin