Abstract: A locator that can be mounted to an outlet box of a network and connected to a peripheral device. The locator includes a first connector and a second connector that are attached to a housing. The locator also includes a circuit that can transmit a stored physical address data to the network. The stored physical address data corresponds to a physical location of the outlet box.

Abstract: A method for providing the names of the city and state of a calling party to a called party when the calling party's name is unavailable. The method utilizes the calling party's telephone number to determine the names of the city and state from which the calling party is calling. The method incorporates a database that contains combinations of telephone numbers and the names of the cities and states that correspond to the various combinations of numbers. In response to an indication that the name of the calling party is unavailable, the method accesses the databases and searches for the matching telephone number and corresponding city and state names. If the names are found, they are delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include assigning a port equipment number to each device/trunk of the PBX/MLTS and associating ports/devices with ELINs and callback numbers. The apparatus of the invention detects an emergency number, assigns the call priority, and uses the port/device number to determine the ELIN/callback number and properly transmit the ELIN/callback number over a private network for far-end hop-off to the public network PSAP.

Abstract: A system for handling special number calls in a telecommunication network. The network includes an array of switches, junctions, communication channels, customer-operated communication devices and telecommunication service providing stations connected to facilitate communication among a plurality of stations using a plurality of communication milieux. The system comprises: (a) at least one special number call processing center connected with the network; (b) at least one special number answering station connected with the special number call processing center; and (c) at least one special number action station connected with the special number answering station. The special number action station is configured for selective connection with a plurality of action agencies. Selected of the telecommunication service providing stations are connected with at least one of the at least one special number processing center.

Abstract: A communication support system includes a switching unit which connects a telephone unit through a transmission path to a telephone network when the switching unit is set in a first state, and disconnects the telephone unit from the telephone network by cutting off the transmission path when the switching unit is set in a second state. A ringer detection unit detects a ringer signal from the telephone network. A determination unit determines, in response to the detection of the ringer signal, whether the switching unit is to be set in one of the first state and the second state in accordance with first switching control data. A switching control unit controls setting of the switching unit in one of the first state and the second state in response to a control signal, indicative of the determination, sent by the determination unit.

Abstract: Processing a call from a calling party at a calling communication station to a called communication station includes detecting signalling information for the call, including determining whether standard caller identification for the calling communication station can be provided to the called communication station and detecting a privacy level selected by a called party at the called communication station. The call is routed in response to the signalling information and the privacy level.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing call subject information to a called party. A call subject platform receives a call from a calling party. The call subject platform prompts the calling party to provide call subject information. If call subject information is received at the call subject platform from the calling party, then the call subject platform sends at least part of the call subject information to the called party. The call subject platform then determines if the called party desires to communicate with the calling party.

Abstract: A telecommunication system configured for use with a network for handling special number calls is described. The network includes a plurality of switching junctions connected by a plurality of channels, a plurality of service providing stations connected into the network at at least one of the switching junctions and the plurality of channels for effecting various telecommunication milieux. Selected of the service providing stations serve customer-operated communication devices using selected of the telecommunication milieux. The system comprises: (a) an action station configured for selective connection with action agencies; (b) an answering station connected with an action station; (c) a call processing center connected with an answering station and configured for connection with the network; and (d) an on-demand answering station connected in a virtual private network with a call processing center and with an action station.

Abstract: Customer premises telephone equipment and methods are provided for identifying a calling party's telephone number, household name, and city and/or state location, to a called party. The equipment and method includes one or more directories containing city and state location information corresponding to a complete listing of all area codes an local exchanges throughout a selected calling region or country. A receiver receives an incoming telephone number of an incoming telephone call and a comparator compares the received incoming telephone number with the directory or directories containing the city and state location information to identify a city and state location associated with the incoming telephone number. The equipment includes a display for displaying the incoming telephone call number, the household name, and/or the city and state location associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling an automatic answering mode function in a telephone having an automatic answering function, a caller identification function, and a telephone directory function. According to the method, an automatic answering mode is set to be on or off for telephone numbers registered in the telephone directory and unregistered telephone numbers according to the user's choice. Upon incoming of a call, a received caller number is identified. It is determined whether the received caller number is registered in the telephone directory. The setting state of the automatic answering mode for the caller number is checked if the caller number is registered in the telephone directory. The setting state of the automatic answering mode for the unregistered telephone numbers is checked if the caller number is not registered in the telephone directory. If the setting state of the automatic answering mode is on, the telephone is switched to the automatic answering mode.

Abstract: A method and system provide enhanced caller identification information to a called party. The system determines whether or not standard caller identification information associated with a calling party can be provided to the called party. The system preferably determines whether the standard caller identification information is unavailable, incomplete or has been blocked. When the system determines that the standard caller identification information cannot be provided, the system transmits a request for audible caller identification information to the calling party. If the calling party provides the requested audible caller identification information, the audible caller identification information is transmitted to the called party. The called party is thus provided with information about the calling party that can assist the called party in deciding whether or not to answer the call.