Abstract: A system is provided that can include a rotating control device (RCD) with a sealing element and a force measurement device for measuring an axial force imparted to the sealing element. The system can also include a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving the axial force measurements and from which the wear status of the sealing element can be determined.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for automatically connecting a calling device to a best available calling device based on resource strength. A computer system receives from a first calling device a request for a call to a second calling device and evaluates resource strength of the second calling device. The computer system determines one or more third calling devices, in response to determining that the resource strength of the second calling device is low. The computer system compares resource strength of the one or more third calling devices with that of the second calling device and determines a best available one of the one or more third calling devices. The computer system connects the call by connecting the first calling device and the best available one of the one or more third calling devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a user's preferred device with a notification of an incoming communication for one of a plurality of a user's devices. Notification of an incoming communication is provided to the user's preferred device via a communications service. The communications service receives, from a data or voice network, information representing an incoming communication intended for one of a plurality of a user's devices. The service then provides a notification of the incoming communication to the user's preferred device.

Abstract: A plurality of displaced paging systems can be controlled from a common paging facility via a computer network such as the Internet. Real-time streaming audio can be transmitted, via the network to one or more identified facilities and/or zones and broadcast thereinto.

Abstract: The present invention is an expandable multi-zone paging and signaling system. In particular, the present invention is an apparatus and method for a paging controller wherein a user can program a response to a non-audio input signal in accordance with a set of prioritized inputs to a telephone interface device. The activity status of the set of prioritized inputs of the selected telephone interface device are combined using a logical OR function. By performing the logical OR function of the activity status of various telephone interface device inputs, the non-audio output signal can be customized to provide useful interactions with other outboard equipment.

Abstract: A plurality of displaced paging systems can be controlled from a common paging facility via a computer network such as the Internet. Real-time streaming audio can be transmitted, via the network to one or more identified facilities and/or zones and broadcast thereinto.

Abstract: A system and method for call screening in a wireless telephone system. When a call is received on an answering machine (17) associated with a base part (11), the user at a portable part (12) may select a call screen button (19). The resulting signal is received at the base part (11), which then enters a broadcast mode. The incoming answering machine message is broadcast to all handsets (12, 14, 16). In a TDMA system, an audio message is broadcast from a base part (11) during a single time slot of a time division. The user at a particular portable part may then select a pick up button to pick up the call.

Abstract: A Group Page process is implemented by which a variable audio source may be dynamically allocated circuit switch channels for broadcasting to a group of devices. The process is implemented via message exchanges between a Group Page Manager which accesses a data structure relating to the grouped devices, and a Paging Party Call Process associated with the party desirous of broadcasting an audio page.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for placing a caller into telecommunication with a subscriber. A call from the caller, directed to the subscriber, is detected and, in response thereto, a page is initiated to the subscriber and at the same time a forward leg call is initiated to a stored telephone address. If the call on the forward leg is answered, the party answering that call is placed in telecommunication with the caller. A call from the subscriber is also detected the subscriber is placed in telecommunication with the caller together with any party on a forward leg call.

Abstract: A cordless telephone base station 1 for connection to a telecommunications network 7 has means (11) for handling incoming calls according to the presence or absence of the handsets (3a, 3b) as detected by responses to paging signals transmitted by the base station.

Abstract: A pager system connectable to the existing telephone wiring for activation through the normal residential DTMF telephone instruments, the system including a plurality of pager devices, each connected to the phone line between the tip and ring wires, and each pager including an identification circuit to allow it be individually addressed by a person using the phone, whether or not connection has been made through the central office. For use of the system, the keypad of the telephone instrument is used to enter a sequence of characters (e.g., symbols as well as numbers), which comprise an activation sequence. The DTMF activation sequence includes three parts: a header, a pager address (pager identification PID) and a signal identification (SID). The header portion is a sequence which is not used by the central office as part of its available services. The header portion is a system enabling signal that distinguishes the pager system from central office sequences.

Abstract: A two-way wireless messaging system has a messaging network, and a two-way messaging device that originates, receives and replies to messages having dynamic message components to and from the messaging network. A transaction server is located within the messaging network for opening and tracking messages among various users of the two-way messaging system, and closing a transaction to prevent further message delivery and replies after a predetermined transaction is completed. A transaction can remain open until a reply has been received by every intended message recipient; until a desired number of message recipient received a message; or until a specified amount of time has expired.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing voice paging information of a caller in a switching system having an automatic attendant function. The method includes the steps of controlling an automatic answering machine equipped in the switching system upon receiving an incoming call, thereby outputting an announcement message containing a voice paging announcement message, and waiting for input data from the caller. When voice paging request data is received during the waiting for the input data, the automatic answering machine is controlled to output a voice paging announcement message, thereby establishing a voice paging channel. The switching system also broadcasts a voice paging signal received from the caller, waits for a response of an extension subscriber, and establishes a channel for the incoming call when the extension subscriber responds, thereby executing a call service associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: A two-way wireless messaging system includes a messaging network having at least one user agent corresponding to a subscriber of a two-way wireless messaging service. The subscriber receives messages from the messaging network along a first communication channel. The user agent includes a plurality of messages stored therein wherein a predetermined message is stored in the user agent and forwarded to a desired destination in response to an originating message code that is received from a two-way messaging device of the subscriber along a second communication return channel. The originating message code can be expanded by the user agent. The messages stored by the user agent can be modified so that different messages can be forwarded to the predetermined destination. The user agent also maintains location information of the two-way messaging device of the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and a method for connecting an on-hold audio device to a pager in a PBX system is disclosed. The system and method include digitally downloading messages from a server over a communication link to the on-hold device so that convenient and clear means for distributing new messages is provided. The server can also download updates to the operating system. The new apparatus preferably includes a microcontroller, flash memory, a data modem, DAA interface circuitry, audio processor circuitry and audio conditioning circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is a method within a radio telecommunications network for delivering a telephone call to a mobile station having a telephone portion, a pager portion, and a relay switch between the telephone portion and the pager portion. Data indicating that the mobile station is capable of receiving standard paging messages from a paging network is recorded in a home location register (HLR) associated with the mobile station. The method enables a subscriber to turn off the telephone portion to conserve battery power. When a call is received in a cellular network for the mobile station, and the mobile station cannot be contacted, the cellular network requests an associated paging network to send a page to the pager portion. The paging network is requested to page the pager portion of the mobile station via a datalink from the cellular network. The pager portion then activates the telephone portion through the relay switch, and the cellular network completes the call.

Abstract: A collective house controller for relaying a call and guarding the houses is provided, in a collective house including a plurality of blocks separated from each other, each block including a plurality of households. The collective house controller includes a household interphone, i.e.

Abstract: A multiple connection method using a single channel is provided. The multiple connection method includes the steps of: (a) transmitting polling addresses from the master in a predetermined sequence using the single channel; (b) receiving the polling addresses by each slave using the single channel; and (c) switching on only the transmitting terminal of the slave corresponding to the received polling address, and switching off the transmitting terminals of the other slaves. Therefore, the multiple connection is possible using only a single channel regardless of the number of communication devices commonly connected.

Abstract: A paging system controller is accessible from a plurality of input devices, such as an attendant's position, a telephone interface, telephone night bell, programmable switch devices and digital data communications devices, and is user-programmable to respond to signalling activity sourced from such accessing devices to establish a paging connection to and perform prescribed audio/visual output paging signal functions with respect to one or a plurality of paging zones served by the system. The output paging signal functions include the transmission of audio tone and voice paging signals via an audio signal path from a paging source to one or more controllably energized paging loudspeaker amplifiers, the generation of one or more alert tones to a paging zone, talkback audio signalling from the paging zone to a telephone interface, the playback of prerecorded (audio/visual) messages from either or both of audio output (e.g. loudspeaker) and visual output (e.g. silent radio) devices.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a plurality of telephones which do not require the use of a telephone company central switching station and which do not require the use of any other central control station which receives and routes calls made between telephones in the system.

Abstract: A power line telephone communications system having an ON HOOK digital voiceband messaging feature by which selected information contained in an incoming call to a telephone is received prior tc the telephone being lifted off its hook. The incoming ring signals, ON HOOK digital voiceband messaging and information signals are conducted by a base unit to the power line for transmission to an extension unit to which a telephone is connected.

Abstract: In a single-line telephone, there are a plurality of extension telephone sets connected by a telephone line and each extension telephone set is connected to a communication controlling apparatus. The communication controlling apparatus includes an alternating current coupler and a power supply thus allowing two extension telephone sets to communicate with each other without being disturbed by a busy tone.

Abstract: An intercommunication system for transmitting signals through a door, and having piezo transducer devices mountable on each side of the door, a matrix of analog switches connecting the piezo transducer devices to the input and output of a bridge amplifier, and a TALK switching device which controls which piezo transducer device is connected to the bridge amplifier through the analog switches as a speaker or as a microphone.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The system includes a telephone interfaced with a door speaker controller to allow communication between the telephone and a door speaker. A page may be broadcast over the speakers and subsequently muted to allow private communication when the page is answered. Also included is a doorbell interface circuit that responds to a doorbell source. The doorbell source may be activated by any one of a plurality of doorbell switches.

Abstract: A call identification display system includes a reception unit; at least one remote user unit; and a communication link such as conventional interface electronics located in the reception unit and the remote units interconnected by cables or rf or laser transmitter and receiver systems; the reception unit has a data entry device such as a keyboard for entering a message including at least identifying indicia for an incoming caller and a display device; each remote user unit includes a display displaying the message from the reception unit identifying the incoming caller and an instruction selector for selecting one of a number of predetermined instructions for display in the display device in the reception unit for directly disposition of the incoming call.

Abstract: A person to whom a telephone call is directed is called at an extension either by voice only or by voice during each silent period of an audible ringing signal. A plurality of telephone sets are provided where each telephone set includes a receiver for receiving a telephone call and a called person signal representative of a called person to whom the telephone call is directed. A telephone call and the corresponding called person signal can be transferred to another telephone set by placing the caller on hold and accessing a base unit which transmits the call and the corresponding called person signal to the appropriate portable unit. Each unit in the system includes a voice signal amplifier and an audible ringing signal generating circuit to output the ringing and voice calls through a speaker.

Abstract: A page party system for use in industrial environments, having a plurality of stations joined by a page line and by a single party line for providing multiple full-duplex conference calls over the single party line. Multiple full-duplex conferencing is achieved by combining single sideband suppressed carrier amplitude modulation and frequency division multiplexing.

Abstract: A local telephone/radio paging system includes a local paging system, a telephone, and a memory for indicating which telephone numbers are within the local area. When a telephone number is dialed, if the person dialed does not answer, the telephone switching equipment checks the memory to determine whether the dialed number is within the local paging area. If so, a local paging transmitter is activated, paging the person assigned to the unanswered phone. Such a paging transmitter may be included in each phone, or a single central local transmitter may be employed. The paging receivers desirably include alphanumeric displays and indicate the number of the telephone that originated the unanswered call, so that the person carrying the paging receiver may call back immediately.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The arrangement includes an audio receiver circuit which responds to a music signal from an external music source, and an associated threshold detection circuit which provides a music mute function. Further, a page interface circuit, responds to a page signal generated from a telephone handset, which generates a paging control signal and serves as a power source to the telephone handset; and a doorbell interface circuit responds to any of a plurality of doorbell signal sources at differing locations by generating a doorbell control signal and activating a corresponding door bell tone sequence which identifies the location of the doorbell signal source. Finally, a control circuit, responds to these various circuits by selecting which of the corresponding signals should be broadcast by the speakers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring page communications in an intercom system having multiple stations connected to a common party line. A station module is connected to and continuously monitors each intercom station. During page communications, the source station from which the page communication originates produces a unique local station signal which is detected by the station module. The station module generates a station identification code in response to a local station signal being detected. The station identification code is transmitted over the existing party line to a master station which recognizes the station identification code. The master station includes a computer interface that provides a standardized signal to an industry standard computer for displaying and recording information regarding page line usage.

Abstract: A clerk paging system for retail stores wherein a customer can push a "help" button on a call box, there being a call box in each department of the store, and the system automatically provides a stored, paging message to the store's existing paging system, including public address systems and radio systems, the message asking for help at the department in which the customer pushed the "help" button. The system automatically repeats the message with a preset time interval between messages, but only until a clerk pushes a "reset" switch on the same call box upon which the "help" button was pushed. To assist telephoning customers, clerks are paged using a two-part message. The first part of the message, typically a department name, is determined by a button pushed by the store's telephone operator. The system automatically determines the second part of the message, consisting of the telephone line number, by monitoring phone line status. A typical resulting message would be "Plumbing, Line Two".

Abstract: Full duplex local intercom circuit arrangements are provided for telephone station instruments within a local network. Each instrument includes an FM receiver and an FM transmitter. If two subscriber telephone paths are provided, switches are also provided to reverse the connection of the paths of e.g. the calling party station relative to called party stations. The switches may be manual or automatic. If a single subscriber telephone path is provided, alternative carrier frequencies are selectively generated, with the calling party receive and transmit frequencies being reversed for the called party frequencies, either automatically, or manually. In all arrangements, the establishment of a normal telephone circuit through the central office over the subscriber line(s) has no effect on intercom communications, and vice versa.

Abstract: A life safety system for monitoring a building has a plurality of detectors for detecting alarm conditions located throughout the building, a plurality of speakers located throughout the building, a source of pre-stored voice messages which can be broadcast over the speakers, and a telephone network. The improvement is a voice synthesizer for providing the source of pre-stored voice messages and a constant volume telephone system. The constant volume telephone system has a telephone line and a plurality of telephones which can be connected to the telephone line, and a power supply having an adjustable output voltage which provides the voltage for the telephone line. A sensing and adjusting circuit senses the number of telephones off-hook and causes the power supply to be adjusted in response to the number of telephones off-hook.

Abstract: A mobile telephone unit belongs to a mobile telephone system with a mobile telephone system and a paging system which cover an identical service area, are independently operated, and are connected through an exchange. The mobile telephone unit includes a telephone set connected to a radio transmitter/receiver and an automatic pager calling circuit. The automatic pager calling circuit includes a circuit for detecting and storing that an incoming call is made for a mobile subscriber who carries a pager and is away from a vehicle, and a circuit for sending a signal representing a preset pager number to the radio transmitter/receiver. The pager number signal for the radio transmitter/receiver is automatically sent by the paging system to the pager through the exchange, thereby calling the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: In an automatic call transfer system for use in carrying out transfer of a terminating call from one of telephone sets (T) to another through an exchange (11), a person identification number (ID) is assigned to each of persons movable in a limited area and is generated from a transmitter (TX) conveyed by each person. The limited area is divided into a plurality of zones (Z) which are defined by receivers (RX) connected through subscriber lines to the exchange, respectively, and which include at least one of the telephone sets, respectively. The person identification number is produced from a transmitter (TX) conveyed by each person and is received by a selected one of the receivers in the zone for the selected receiver to be sent through one of the subscriber lines (L) to the exchange. A line number of the one subscriber line is memorized in a memory of the exchange in correspondence to the person identification number and is changed as each person moves in the limited area.