Patents by Inventor Thomas McBlain

Thomas McBlain 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).

  • Publication number: 20050152518
    Abstract: A method for communicating with a subscriber having a first telephone number that is out-of-service comprises providing a database that is accessible at least through a second telephone number, and allowing the subscriber to access the database to post a message. The message is made available to an interested party. A system for a subscriber to communicate with an interested party is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Neuwald, Nancy Book, Thomas McBlain, William Moy, Carol Gruchala
  • Publication number: 20050123107
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: James Maciejewski, Claude Harrington, Nancy Book, Mary Hardzinski, Robert Bossemeyer, Susanne Crockett, Thomas McBlain
  • Publication number: 20050078813
    Abstract: A telecommunications service translates an abbreviated dialing code into a toll free number, routes the call to an interexchange carrier, and manages the billing associated with the call. A billing system processes the billing such that a subscriber of the abbreviated dialing code service is billed for the call rather than a calling party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicants: Ameritech Corporation of Hoffmann, SBC Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dianna Tiliks, Carol Gruchala, Susanne Crockett, Nancy Book, John Moss, Thomas McBlain, Gordon Blumenschein, William Moy, Kenneth Stroud
  • Publication number: 20050013420
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying call waiting information in a communication system is particularly well suited for correcting mispronunciation of caller identification information provided for a call waiting call. A current pronunciation of the call waiting information is provided to the calling party who is prompted to change the current pronunciation. The system receives a new pronunciation of the call waiting information and stores information about the new pronunciation for subsequent retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventors: Susanne Crockett, Thomas McBlain, Mary Hardzinski, Robert Bossemeyer
  • Publication number: 20050008134
    Abstract: A system (100) and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information can not be provided, even when a subscriber to the service has per line blocking. A service control point (106) detects the directory number to which a terminating attempt trigger is assigned and places this directory number in a parameter for transmission to a service switching point (102) using a forward_call message (206). The per line blocking function does not interfere with transmission of this parameter so that the called party's directory number can be passed for processing and call completion by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: John Moss, Thomas McBlain