Patents by Inventor Michael Robert Zubas

Michael Robert Zubas 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).

  • Patent number: 8737580
    Abstract: A method for toggling voicemail class of service (CoS) including receiving a subscriber-initiated CoS change request at a billing system, wherein the CoS change request includes a request to change from a first CoS associated with a first voicemail system (VMS) to a second CoS associated with a second VMS. The method further includes validating the CoS change request at the billing system, sending a CoS delete request to the first VMS to at least temporarily disable a first voicemail account, and sending a provisioning request to the second VMS to provision a second voicemail account. A system for toggling voicemail CoS and a computer-readable medium for toggling CoS from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8688082
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20140079196
    Abstract: A method for managing visual voicemail messages includes displaying a list of voicemail messages on a telecommunications handset, receiving user commands for operating on the voicemail messages including a delete message command and in response to a delete message command, marking a voicemail message for deletion with a delete timestamp and moving the voicemail message to a Deleted Messages folder. A Deleted Message Age Indicator function processes to control permanent deletion of voicemail messages in the Deleted Messages folder based on delete timestamps and a global Delete Time value in cooperation with a visual voicemail platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Rainer, William J. Sigmund
  • Patent number: 8655324
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8630626
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130331068
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon, for example, preferences of a user. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system can operate on a communications network, at a communications device, or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility ll LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130287184
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system can include receiving a call at the voicemail system, wherein the call originates from a calling party device, determining if the calling party device is compatible with a video greeting feature, sending a video greeting to the called party device if it is determined that the calling party device is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device. Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device, the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device. Methods for operating a mobile device and a voicemail system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8548438
    Abstract: A method for managing incoming voicemail messages at a visual voicemail (VVM) system can include receiving a new voicemail message for a voicemail account associated with a mobile device, generating a deposit notification message at the VVM system in response to receiving the new voicemail message, sending the notification message to the mobile device, and receiving a request for voicemail message header information from the mobile device. The method can further include sending the voicemail message header information to the mobile device. The mobile device uses the voicemail message header information to determine a status for each voicemail message presently stored on the mobile device to identify the new voicemail message. The method can further include the VVM system receiving a request for the new voicemail message, and sending the new voicemail message to the mobile device for storage and playback on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130252589
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8515395
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail password directly from the mobile device includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an interface for receiving user input to the VVM application, and a transceiver for communication with a VVM system. The VVM application includes an option to create a voicemail password. The method further includes: receiving a selection of the option to create the voicemail password, creating the voicemail password based upon an input of a password string, generating a request that includes instructions to the VVM system to associate the voicemail password with a voicemail account, and transmitting the request to the VVM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8509745
    Abstract: A voicemail system (18, 24) includes a memory (36, 62) and a processor (32, 60). The memory (36, 62) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 24) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 24) can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system (18, 24) can operate on a communications network (10), at a communications device (18), or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8503988
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message from a mobile device at a voicemail system, resetting a current password to a default password at the voicemail system, and sending a response message request to a short message service center. The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center and sending the response message to the mobile device, wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8489074
    Abstract: A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail greeting includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an I/O interface, and a microphone for receiving an audio input. The method further includes: receiving a selection for an option to record the voicemail greeting, receiving the audio input, recording the audio input as the voicemail greeting for a voicemail account associated with the mobile device, storing the recorded voicemail greeting in the memory, and generating a request that includes the recorded voicemail greeting, a network address for a VVM system, and instructions to set the voicemail greeting as an active voicemail greeting for the voicemail account. The method further includes transmitting the request to the VVM system and receiving a response from the VVM system that includes an indication of whether the voicemail greeting was set as the active voicemail greeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8478239
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system can include receiving a call at the voicemail system, wherein the call originates from a calling party device, determining if the calling party device is compatible with a video greeting feature, sending a video greeting to the called party device if it is determined that the calling party device is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device. Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device, the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device. Methods for operating a mobile device and a voicemail system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8442496
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8412162
    Abstract: A method for managing accessibility to a visual voicemail (VVM) service from a mobile device includes detecting that a first SIM has been inserted into a slot interface of the mobile device and establishing a data session with a VVM system to create a first VVM account. The first VVM account is configured to receive and store voicemail messages directed to a subscriber identified by the first SIM. The method further includes the mobile device receiving a voicemail message from the VVM system and storing the voicemail message in a memory. The method further includes the mobile device detecting the first SIM being removed and a second SIM being inserted into the slot interface. Upon insertion of the second SIM, the mobile device prevents access to the voicemail message associated with the first VVM account and communicative access to the first VVM account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8406743
    Abstract: Voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include at least one memory and at least one processor. A memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (24, 26, 28), forwarded to another voicemail system (24, 26, 28), provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems (24, 26, 28) can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system (24, 26, 28) and/or a mobile device (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8401526
    Abstract: A method for providing a voicemail password reset feature can include receiving a password reset request message (220) from a mobile device (118) at a voicemail system (102), resetting a current password to a default password (222) at the voicemail system (102), and sending a response message request (224) to a short message service center (122). The response message request can include a request to generate a response message that includes the default password. The method can further include generating the response message at the short message center (122) and sending the response message (226) to the mobile device (118), wherein the response message includes the default password. A system for providing a voicemail password reset feature and a computer-readable medium for initiating a voicemail password reset from a mobile device (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8369840
    Abstract: A method for managing visual voicemail messages includes displaying a list of voicemail messages on a telecommunications handset, receiving user commands for operating on the voicemail messages including a delete message command and in response to a delete message command, marking a voicemail message for deletion with a delete timestamp and moving the voicemail message to a Deleted Messages folder. A Deleted Message Age Indicator function processes to control permanent deletion of voicemail messages in the Deleted Messages folder based on delete timestamps and a global Delete Time value in cooperation with a visual voicemail platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Rainer, William J. Sigmund
  • Publication number: 20130012173
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer