Abstract: In one aspect, a customer service information system includes a technician server configured to communicate with at least one input device used by a service technician at a customer service location and with a global satellite positioning system. The technician server is capable of directing the global satellite positioning system to obtain a set of coordinates associated with the customer service location upon receiving a data transmission from the input device.

Abstract: A system and method for documenting delays associated with a project. The present invention includes provisions that enables a field personnel working on a project on the field to document excusable delays as the delays are encountered. The field personnel is equipped with a communications device that has access to a server. During a communications session between the communications device and the server, the field personnel uses the communications device to upload project information related to the delays to the server. The server then invokes or updates a DMT to document the time associated with the delays. The delay time documented in the DMT is then subtracted from a total time reported by a maintenance clock associated with the project.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery capacity. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A mobile gateway interface that enables a supervisor to conduct typical office transactions via a remote device while the supervisor is away from the office. The remote device can be one of several items, including, for example, wireless telephones, interactive pagers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers with wireless modem, and the like. The supervisor uses the remote device to log into the mobile gateway interface. After the authentication process, the supervisor makes a transaction request through the remote device. A transaction server, which is part of the mobile gateway interface, interacts with one or more resources to process or execute the transaction request. The resources can include an intranet, the Internet, and various legacy systems. Preferably, the mobile gateway interface includes one or both voice and front-end data servers that facilitate the authentication process and execution of the transaction request.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information and provides the Global Positioning System information to assemble a telephone line record.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating directions for traveling from a first service location to at least a second service location. One exemplary method embodiment includes obtaining through a server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first service location; obtaining through the server at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second service location; transmitting the “from” and the “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and receiving directions from the mapping system based on the “to” and the “from” coordinates. Another exemplary method embodiment includes receiving first knowledge of one or more service personnel locations, receiving second knowledge of one or more service locations, and applying an algorithm with a computer using the first and the second knowledge to facilitate moving a service person to a most appropriate service location.

Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery voltage. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery capacity. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating directions for traveling from a first service location to at least a second service location. One exemplary method embodiment includes obtaining through a server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first service location; obtaining through the server at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second service location; transmitting the “from” and the “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and receiving directions from the mapping system based on the “to” and the “from” coordinates. Another exemplary method embodiment includes receiving first knowledge of one or more service personnel locations, receiving second knowledge of one or more service locations, and applying an algorithm with a computer using the first and the second knowledge to facilitate moving a service person to a most appropriate service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information and provides the Global Positioning System information to assemble a telephone line record.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for collecting and transmitting data obtained in association with service performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes the steps of: accessing an access device operatively connected to a technician server of the telecommunications system; displaying at least one screen on the access device, wherein the screen is adapted to receive data collected in association with the service performed at the customer location; completing the screen with at least a portion of the collected data; and, transmitting the completed screen to the technician server. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided. One system embodiment includes at least one access device operatively associated with a technician server. The access device is configured to display at least one screen adapted to receive data collected in association with the service performed at the customer location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information associated with a telephone number. This embodiment uses the Global Positioning System information to create a telephone line record for a telephone number. The Global Positioning System information describes latitude, longitude, and elevation associated with the telephone number. The Global Positioning System information, for example, could define the location of a customer's service address, a service terminal, a cross-connect box, a wire center, and/or a central office.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information associated with a telephone number. This embodiment uses the Global Positioning System information to create a telephone line record for a telephone number. The Global Positioning System information describes latitude, longitude, and elevation associated with the telephone number. The Global Positioning System information, for example, could define the location of a customer's service address, a service terminal, a cross-connect box, a wire center, and/or a central office.

Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes generating an electronic message in an administration system; transmitting the generated electronic message from the administration system through a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, displaying the generated electronic message on a screen display adapted for viewing with an access device of the technician at the customer service location. One system embodiment includes an administration system configured for generating at least one electronic message; a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, a screen display adapted for receiving and displaying the generated electronic message for viewing on an access device of the technician at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.