Patents by Inventor William Joseph Sigmund

William Joseph Sigmund 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: 20160330599
    Abstract: A method for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system can include establishing a secure data session between a voicemail system and a mobile device. The voicemail system can receive a voicemail message that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system can generate a notification message and can send the notification message to the mobile device that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information. The voicemail system can send the requested voicemail message header information to the mobile device and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message. The voicemail message can send at least a portion of the at least one voicemail message to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 9210558
    Abstract: A method for updating voicemail data at least partially stored at a device can include obtaining a command to update the voicemail data at a device. The device can activate a data session through which voicemail data can be downloaded to the device. In some embodiments, the device can automatically activate a data session upon the occurrence of a trigger event, for example, upon the receipt of a message waiting indicator, or upon powering on the device. In other embodiments, the device can wait for a user action or command to download voicemail data. The action or command can be received at the device after a trigger event, or at any other time. Exemplary devices and communications networks for implementing these and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8977241
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to convert a voicemail message to a desired format and forward voicemail message, for example as a file, to one or more designated destinations. Methods for forwarding one or messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20150011191
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon, for example, preferences of a user. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system can operate on a communications network, at a communications device, or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8923825
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20140342702
    Abstract: A method for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system can include establishing a secure data session between a voicemail system and a mobile device. The voicemail system can receive a voicemail message that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system can generate a notification message and can send the notification message to the mobile device that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information. The voicemail system can send the requested voicemail message header information to the mobile device and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message. The voicemail message can send at least a portion of the at least one voicemail message to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8843117
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon, for example, preferences of a user. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system can operate on a communications network, at a communications device, or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8831573
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system can include receiving a call at the voicemail system, wherein the call originates from a calling party device, determining if the calling party device is compatible with a video greeting feature, sending a video greeting to the called party device if it is determined that the calling party device is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device. Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device, the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device. Methods for operating a mobile device and a voicemail system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8805336
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon, for example, preferences of a user. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system can operate on a communications network, at a communications device, or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8798241
    Abstract: A method (200) for managing voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system (102) can include establishing a secure data session (212) between a voicemail system (102) and a mobile device (118). The voicemail system (102) can receive a voicemail message (202) that is directed to a voicemail account associated with a voicemail subscriber. The voicemail system (102) can generate a notification message and can send the notification message (208) to the mobile device (118) that is associated with the voicemail account that received the voicemail message. In response to the notification message, the mobile device (102) can generate and send a first request for voicemail message header information (234). The voicemail system (118) can send the requested voicemail message header information (236) to the mobile device (102) and, in response, receive a second request for at least one voicemail message (238).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8798238
    Abstract: A voicemail system (100) can include at least one processor (104) and at least one communication interface (102) operatively linked and in communication with the at least one processor (104) that is configured to receive an incoming call. The voicemail system (100) can further include at least one memory (108) operatively linked and in communication with the processor (104), wherein the at least one memory (108) is configured to store a call treatment application (112) that includes at least one rule for determining call handling treatment of the incoming call. A method (400) for operating the voicemail system (100) can include receiving (406) an address message (200) at the voicemail system (100), wherein the address message (200) identifies at least a called party number (206) of the incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8761354
    Abstract: A voicemail system (100) can include at least one processor (104) and at least one communication interface (102) operatively linked and in communication with the at least one processor (104) that is configured to receive an incoming call. The voicemail system (100) can further include at least one memory (108) operatively linked and in communication with the processor (104), wherein the at least one memory (108) is configured to store a call treatment application (112) that includes at least one rule for determining call handling treatment of the incoming call. A method (400) for operating the voicemail system (100) can include receiving (406) an address message (200) at the voicemail system (100), wherein the address message (200) identifies at least a called party number (206) of the incoming call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8737580
    Abstract: A method for toggling voicemail class of service (CoS) including receiving a subscriber-initiated CoS change request at a billing system, wherein the CoS change request includes a request to change from a first CoS associated with a first voicemail system (VMS) to a second CoS associated with a second VMS. The method further includes validating the CoS change request at the billing system, sending a CoS delete request to the first VMS to at least temporarily disable a first voicemail account, and sending a provisioning request to the second VMS to provision a second voicemail account. A system for toggling voicemail CoS and a computer-readable medium for toggling CoS from a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8688082
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8655324
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8630626
    Abstract: A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130331068
    Abstract: A voicemail system includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system and provided with functionality based upon, for example, preferences of a user. The voicemail system can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system can operate on a communications network, at a communications device, or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility ll LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Publication number: 20130287184
    Abstract: A method for operating a voicemail system can include receiving a call at the voicemail system, wherein the call originates from a calling party device, determining if the calling party device is compatible with a video greeting feature, sending a video greeting to the called party device if it is determined that the calling party device is compatible with the video greeting feature, and recording a voicemail message received in response to the video greeting being played on the called party device. Another method can include sending a video greeting identifier to the called party device, the video greeting identifier being used to identify a video greeting stored on the calling party device. Methods for operating a mobile device and a voicemail system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: 8548438
    Abstract: A method for managing incoming voicemail messages at a visual voicemail (VVM) system can include receiving a new voicemail message for a voicemail account associated with a mobile device, generating a deposit notification message at the VVM system in response to receiving the new voicemail message, sending the notification message to the mobile device, and receiving a request for voicemail message header information from the mobile device. The method can further include sending the voicemail message header information to the mobile device. The mobile device uses the voicemail message header information to determine a status for each voicemail message presently stored on the mobile device to identify the new voicemail message. The method can further include the VVM system receiving a request for the new voicemail message, and sending the new voicemail message to the mobile device for storage and playback on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer
  • Patent number: RE46952
    Abstract: Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William Joseph Sigmund, Michael Robert Zubas, Brian Keith Rainer