Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Confirmation of a mobile subscriber's permission to release their personal information is completed prior to transmitting the information to a requesting party. The mobile subscriber can view the requesting party's identity prior to making a decision to release their directory information. In the alternative, the mobile subscriber can contact the requesting party directly without a release of their personal information. Other types of information, such as location information, can also be communicated to a requesting party by this permission grant methodology.

Abstract: Confirmation of a mobile subscriber's permission to release their personal information is completed prior to transmitting the information to a requesting party. The mobile subscriber can view the requesting party's identity prior to making a decision to release their directory information. In the alternative, the mobile subscriber can contact the requesting party directly without a release of their personal information. Other types of information, such as location information, can also be communicated to a requesting party by this permission grant methodology.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing automated call back requests are provided. In one method a signaling link in a telecommunications system is monitored for a transaction including a connection request containing a called address followed by a disconnection request within a first predetermined time period. Responsive to the transaction, the method determines if a trigger condition exists, and if so, communicates a call back request to a called party through a separate network.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for provisioning a user controlled alerting message to the calling party on a telecommunications session. The alerting message is designed to be able to replace or augment the normal alert message and to provide an information service to the calling party during a period that is typically non-productive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for capturing a missed call attempt and subsequently alerting the calling party when the called party is available to once again receive calls. The called party may be unavailable for any reason, including disconnection from the network and network congestion. Alerts may include advertising, offers for network service, offers for missed call related services, and options to opt out of missed call alerts. Alerts may also be customized by recipients so that when such recipients are not available, the customized alert is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing a system for extracting value from intellectual property. The method includes the steps of collecting intellectual property assets in an investment vehicle, selling shares in the investment vehicle, and licensing the collected intellectual property through the investment vehicle. Shares in the investment vehicle may be traded privately or publicly.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: The invention provides a power source that can be configured for being mounted to a fluorescent light. The internal electronics of the power source are contained within a housing. Attachment means are used to attach the housing to a fluorescent lamp. The attachment means may comprise a support tube attached to the housing. The support tube fits over the fluorescent lamp and attaches to the housing to secure the power source to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the housing may include power coupling pins on one side and fluorescent lamp pin connectors on the opposite side. The power coupling pins fit into one receptacle of the fluorescent light fixture and the pins of the fluorescent lamp are inserted into the fluorescent lamp pin connectors of the housing such that the power source is mounted between the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing automated call back requests are provided. In one method a signaling link in a telecommunications system is monitored for a transaction including a connection request containing a called address followed by a disconnection request within a first predetermined time period. Responsive to the transaction, the method determines if a trigger condition exists, and if so, communicates a call back request to a called party through a separate network.

Abstract: A grant of permission is operative to release the personal information of a user, such as mobile subscriber of a mobile telephone network, prior to transmitting that information to a requesting party. If the permission grant is delayed, however, the delivery of the mobile subscriber's information can be provided at a later time to the requesting party if the mobile subscriber subsequently grants permission. The requesting party can receive information relevant to the mobile subscriber via text message, e-mail, or other conventional media in response to the delayed permission grant. The mobile subscriber can grant a delayed release of the information or contact the requesting party directly without revealing the requested information.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for mounting a wireless network component to a fluorescent light. The internal electronics of the wireless network component are contained within a housing. Attachment means are used to attach the housing to a fluorescent lamp. The attachment means may comprise a support tube removably attached to the housing. The support tube fits over the fluorescent lamp and attaches to the housing to secure the wireless network component to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the housing may include power coupling pins on one side and fluorescent lamp pin connectors on the opposite side. The power coupling pins fit into one receptacle of the fluorescent light fixture and the pins of the fluorescent lamp are inserted into the fluorescent lamp pin connectors of the housing such that the wireless network component is mounted between the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from a circuit of a fluorescent light. A first circuit supplies power from a fluorescent light power source to a fluorescent lamp. The power converter of an external device can be electrically connected to any two points within that circuit to create a second circuit to supply power to the external device. The power converter may be connected to the first circuit via one or more power coupling or power tether. At least one of the two points within the first circuit may comprise a pin of the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, at least one of the two points may comprise a connector of a fluorescent light fixture designed to receive a pin of the fluorescent lamp or a point within the fluorescent ballast of the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.