Abstract: The high energy usage and high water usage of conventional washing and drying, specifically for towels, is addressed with the present invention. The “towel-station” of the invention is a single-piece sheet-fed appliance to be located at or near the bathroom, shower or pool to efficiently wash, sanitize, dry and warm a towel. Dramatic savings of energy and water result over that of conventional washing and drying. An additional benefit is the availability to the user of a warm towel after bathing without the use of additional energy since warming is performed as part of the drying process.

Abstract: Customer communications can be controlled in accordance with customized rules. An initial menu includes options to modify an existing rule or create a new rule for controlling customer communications. An initial selection criteria menu includes options to indicate whether the new customized rule will be built using a preexisting template or starting from initial blank rule criteria. A list of preexisting templates for creating new customized rules can be provided, and input to populate a selected template can be accepted. Initial blank rule criteria for creating new customized rules can also be provided, including initial criteria and rule conditions for selected initial criteria. Communications are processed in accordance with the stored new customized rule.

Abstract: Customer communications can be controlled in accordance with customized rules. An entry menu includes options to modify an existing rule or create a new rule for controlling customer communications. An initial selection criteria menu includes options to indicate whether the new customized rule will be built using a preexisting template or starting from initial blank rule criteria. A list of preexisting templates for creating new customized rules can be provided, and input to populate a selected template can be accepted. Initial blank rule criteria for creating new customized rules can also be provided, including initial criteria and rule conditions for selected initial criteria. Communications are processed in accordance with the stored new customized rule.

Abstract: Customer communications can be controlled in accordance with customized rules. An entry menu includes options to modify an existing rule or create a new rule for controlling customer communications. An initial selection criteria menu includes options to indicate whether the new customized rule will be built using a preexisting template or starting from initial blank rule criteria. A list of preexisting templates for creating new customized rules can be provided, and input to populate a selected template can be accepted. Initial blank rule criteria for creating new customized rules can also be provided, including initial criteria and rule conditions for selected initial criteria. Communications are processed in accordance with the stored new customized rule.

Abstract: A method is provided for customizing a call control rule by a subscriber at a graphical user interface. The method includes providing a first display, including multiple conditions relating to identifying calls involving the at least one telephone number, and receiving a first selection of at least one identifying condition. The method further includes providing a second display, including multiple call dispositions relating to processing the calls based on the at least one selected condition, and receiving a second selection of at least one call disposition. The identifying condition and the call disposition are stored as the call control rule in association with the telephone number, and calls involving the telephone number are processed in accordance with the stored call control rule. The method may also include providing a third display describing the call control rule contemporaneously with receiving the first and second selections.

Abstract: The high energy usage and high water usage of conventional washing and drying, specifically for towels, is addressed with the present invention. The “towel-station” of the invention is a single-piece sheet-fed appliance to be located at or near the bathroom, shower or pool to efficiently wash, sanitize, dry and warm a towel. Dramatic savings of energy and water result over that of conventional washing and drying. An additional benefit is the availability to the user of a warm towel after bathing without the use of additional energy since warming is performed as part of the drying process.

Abstract: A system and method of publishing contact information is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a command to publish a collection of contacts to a plurality of recipients, where the collection of contacts is associated with a network address book of a sender. The method also includes receiving a distribution list that identifies the plurality of recipients. Additionally, the method includes sending a notification to each of the plurality of recipients, where the notification includes an invitation to subscribe to the collection of contacts. The method also includes sending the collection of contacts to at least one of the plurality of recipients who subscribes to the collection of contacts.

Abstract: A communications services network platform has a multi-layered software architecture residing on a host computer. The network platform connects to a communications network and includes a call processing stack, a link layer, and a service support subsystem. The call processing stack implements call processing by processing events associated with a communication path through the communications network and has an application layer, representing each active call being processed by the call processing stack, and a resource layer, including software abstractions of physical resources located outside the host computer. The link layer manages a communications link between physically connected physical resources and the call processing stack. The service support subsystem executes services requested by the call processing stack. The platform manages and controls communications events associated with the communication path to complete a request for services between nodes on the communication network.

Abstract: A subscriber implements and access telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The subscriber can schedule, create, and edit call alert messages to be sent by a flexible call alert service to multiple recipients at a subscriber described time.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has at least one raised section located within the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a trough is formed between the raised section and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A subscriber implements and access telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The subscriber can schedule, create, and edit call alert messages to be sent by a flexible call alert service to multiple recipients at a subscriber described time.

Abstract: A flexible network platform and call processing system are disclosed. The call processing system includes a particular call processing architecture and a resource managing system which allow new services to be implemented rapidly. An OAM&P subsystem and systems for performing data provisioning and service creation are each provided for use with the disclosed call processing system. The call processing system may include a call processing mechanism for performing call processing in accordance with defined service logic, and call processing resources connected to the call processing mechanism. The call processing resources are designed so that any service logic unit may be linked to any particular event that might occur in connection with the call processing system. A resource managing system is also disclosed for assigning resources for use by a call processing system. A resource is assigned in response to a request made by the call processing system specified capability.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.