Patents by Inventor Stephen R. LaPierre

Stephen R. LaPierre 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: 9118510
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John P. Ruckart
  • Publication number: 20130272298
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John P. Ruckart
  • Patent number: 8477758
    Abstract: Voice service over a next generation network is provided using Advanced Intelligent Network solutions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a Voice over Network system includes a communications device having a directory communication address in communication with a telecommunications network, means for decoding the directory communications address to identify a voice over internet protocol service feature of the communications address, and means for establishing an internet protocol telephony communications connection of the communications device with a called party's communications address via a VoN hotline. According to further exemplary embodiments, the hotline may include a media gateway, an application server, a feature server, and means for communicating among the media gateway, the application server, and the feature server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Henry J. Kafka, Maria Adamczyk, Frederick C. Iffland, Anita Hogans Simpson, Stephen R. LaPierre, Karen M. McCourt, John Paul Ruckart
  • Patent number: 7920687
    Abstract: A communication network that includes a flash hook detector and a communication device is operated by detecting a flash hook of the communication device at the flash hook detector. A signal is transmitted from the flash hook detector to the communication network responsive to detecting the flash hook. The flash hook is processed in the communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7516185
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status notification for a message in a communications network. An embodiment of this invention is a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of requesting a status notification for a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By requesting status notification, the caller is indicating that the voicemail system should track any actions related to the message that occur within the voicemail system. The caller also specifies a destination identifier, which includes formatting and addressing information that the voicemail system uses for subsequent notification. As actions are taken in relation to the message, the voicemail system creates disposition identifiers and associates these identifiers with the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Knoerle, Stephen R. LaPierre, Vernon Meadows, David A. Scott
  • Patent number: 7512222
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7489769
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an on-hold call with a selectable continuous tone source using a service node, comprising a service switching point of a central office connected to a service logic program provisioned on a service node. Using the capabilities of the service node, the service logic program plays a continuous tone through a permanent trunk line connecting the service node to the service switching point. When the service switching point puts a call on hold, the service switching point connects the call through the permanent trunk line to the service logic program that is playing the continuous tone. As a result, the caller hears the continuous tone while the service switching point has the call on hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph M. Knoerle, Stephen R. Lapierre, Zeeman Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7394895
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7394897
    Abstract: A method and system for routing service calls made from lines resold to a competitive service provider includes advanced intelligent network and standard switching functionality. The call may be made into an AIN service switching point (60) or a non-AIN switch (62-64). All calls are routed to an AIN hub (190), such as a service switching point, via a trunk group. The AIN or non-AIN switch may access a line class code table (160-164) to determine the proper routing information. Calls made from resold lines are routed to the AIN hub (190). Once the call is routed to the AIN hub, a trigger (187) provisioned on the AIN hub and assigned to the incoming trunk group causes the hub to suspend the call and launch a query to a service control point (200). The query includes the directory number of the resold calling line and the originally dialed number. The SCP (670) accesses a data-base (675) containing directory numbers for resold lines and identifiers for competitive service providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Sr., Scott C. Holt, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7257212
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7225230
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status notification for a message in a communications network. An embodiment of this invention is a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of requesting a status notification for a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By requesting status notification, the caller is indicating that the voicemail system should track any actions related to the message that occur within the voicemail system. The caller also specifies a destination identifier, which includes formatting and addressing information that the voicemail system uses for subsequent notification. As actions are taken in relation to the message, the voicemail system creates disposition identifiers and associates these identifiers with the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Knoerle, Stephen R. LaPierre, Vernon Meadows, David A. Scott
  • Patent number: 7095834
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 7027567
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status notification and reply for a message in a communications network. An embodiment of this invention is a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of requesting a status notification and reply for a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By requesting status notification and reply, the caller is indicating that the voicemail system should track any actions related to the message that occur within the voicemail system. The caller also specifies a destination identifier, which includes formatting and addressing information that the voicemail system uses for subsequent notification and for communicating any reply to the message. As actions are taken in relation to the message, the voicemail system creates disposition identifiers and associates these identifiers with the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Scott, Stephen R. LaPierre, Joseph M. Knoerle, Vernon Meadows
  • Patent number: 6980635
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 6934367
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status certification for a voicemail message in a telecommunications network. An embodiment of this invention comprises a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of certifying a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By certifying the voicemail message, the caller is directing the voicemail system to create a temporary voicemail box and to track any actions related to the message that message that occur within the voicemail system. As changes occur, the voicemail system creates one or more status messages in the temporary voicemail box. If the recipient replies to the messages, the voicemail system also stores the reply in the temporary voicemail box. When a caller subsequently accesses the temporary voicemail box, the caller can access the messages and can also reply to any of the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. LaPierre, Joseph M. Knoerle, Vernon Meadows, David A. Scott
  • Patent number: 6885741
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated call back of a first telephone station that has been placed on hold by a second telephone station in an advanced intelligent network. The system comprises a service switching point connected to the first telephone station, a service node adapted to connect the second telephone station with the first telephone station when the second telephone station becomes available, and a service control point containing a database identifying the service node as adapted to connect the second and first telephone stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Puckett, David A. Scott, Stephen R. Lapierre
  • Patent number: 6865260
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for providing a status certification for a message in a communications network. An embodiment of this invention is a voicemail system, which provides a caller in a telecommunications network with the option of certifying a voicemail message when the recording of the message is complete. By certifying the voicemail message, the caller is indicating that the voicemail system should track any actions related to the message that occur within the voicemail system so that the caller may later access the voicemail system and ascertain the status of the message. When the caller requests certification, the voicemail system provides the caller with a means to subsequently initiate a request for the status certification. As actions are taken in relation to the message, the voicemail system creates disposition identifiers and associates these identifiers with the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Vernon Meadows, Joseph M. Knoerle, Stephen R. LaPierre, David A. Scott
  • Publication number: 20040213393
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Publication number: 20040174978
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatically routing a long distance call placed by a subscriber to a prepaid service provider. Six exemplary methods are discussed for allowing the prepaid subscriber to directly dial a called party's long distance telephone number, and then routing the placed call to a prepaid service. The subscriber, in each case, is not required to first dial the telephone number of the prepaid service provider before dialing the called party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: James C. Bedingfield, Stephen R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 6738466
    Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for redirecting caller identification in an advanced intelligent network. The system comprises a service switching point and a service control point. When a redirected call is received at the service switching point, the service switching point places the call on hold and forwards a request to the service control point. The service control point recognizes that the call has been redirected and formats the caller identification information associated with the call to identify the telephone number from which the call was redirected. The re-formatted caller identification information is returned to the service switching point. The service switching point forwards the call to the destination telephone station using a distinctive ring to identify that the call has been redirected. The reformatted caller identification information, including the number of the telephone station from which the call was redirected, is forwarded to the destination telephone station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. LaPierre, David Scott