Central Station With Plural Substations Patents (Class 379/49)
  • Publication number: 20020136363
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods (and corresponding apparatus) for accurate transmission of an ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller after the emergency call goes on-hook. The methods include (upon initiation of an emergency call) the steps of storing an emergency location identification number and/or callback number in a buffer; and, upon detecting an on-hook event, transmitting the ELIN and/or callback number from the buffer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the emergency call is disconnected after said step of transmitting; and prior to said step of transmitting, optionally first over private network and to the public network PSAP, a timer is initiated. The step of disconnecting is performed after the timer expires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Nissim Ozery, Jorge Waimin Siu, Heinz Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20020136361
    Abstract: Methods for accurate transmission of ELIN/callback number from an emergency caller calling from behind a PBX/MLTS include prioritizing the emergency call, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Nissim Ozery, David A. Vander Meiden, Richard Frank, Dennis Kucmerowski
  • Patent number: 6427001
    Abstract: Notification of 911 telephone calls is provided to a telephone numbers listed on a pre-provided list of the telephone numbers without intrusion on the existing 911 infrastructure using the out-of-band SS7 signaling infrastructure. A link monitoring system (LMS) monitors SS7 messages to determine whether a 911 telephone call has been made. When the LMS determines that a 911 telephone call has been made, it sends a message containing calling party number information to a notification device. Using the telephone numbers provided on the notification list, the notification device notifies others that the 911 telephone call has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil H. Contractor, Hong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20020076003
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel N. Zellner, Mark J. Enzmann, Robert T. Moton
  • Patent number: 6370234
    Abstract: A public service answering point system is taught that will perform a triage on incoming calls both fully automatically and with caller interaction. The system will progressively shave out redundant calls and give high priority to calls that may represent a violent crime in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kroll Family Trust
    Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20020039405
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disseminating emergency warning information via a telecommunication network via a telecommunication network is disclosed. After a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has decided to issue a warning regarding an impending emergency to a specific area, the LEPC dials a group emergency telephone number to issue a warning to any subscriber of the group emergency telephone number. The warning, which may be audio and/or visual, informs the subscriber of the impending emergency and/or the necessary actions that needs to be taken by the subscriber. By sending the warning via a telecommunication network, a large number of people can be contacted with specific details of the impending emergency within a short period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Trela, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Newland, Bobby W. Newland
  • Patent number: 6363138
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ALI information management system which includes an ALI information manager communicatingly connected to one or more regional E-911 Service Centers and to one or more PBX's having ALI information stored therein. The ALI information manager is configured to import ALI information from the PBX's, and possibly also from one or more E-911 Service Centers, and form and/or update an ALI database using the ALI information imported. The ALI information manager is configured to send ALI information which is contained in the ALI database to the one or more regional E-911 Service Centers to continuously maintain a current master ALI database at each regional E-911 Service Center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Red Sky Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Aprile
  • Publication number: 20020031101
    Abstract: The present invention may be viewed as providing a system for interconnecting a plurality of remote devices to a site controller in an automated monitoring system via a wireless communication network. The automated monitoring system may be configured for monitoring and controlling the plurality of remote devices using a host computer adapted to communicate with the site controller via a communication network. Briefly described, in one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of transceivers and a plurality of repeaters. Each of the plurality of transceivers have a unique identifier. Furthermore, each of the plurality of transceivers may be configured for communication with one of the plurality of remote devices and configured to receive a sensor data signal from the corresponding remote device and provide a data message over the wireless communication network using a predefined communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas D. Petite, James Davis, David Philip Aldoretta
  • Patent number: 6289083
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for routing emergency calls received by an automatic call distributor from a plurality of agent workstation in diverse geographical locations. The method includes the steps of receiving an emergency call by the automatic call distributor from an agent workstation of the plurality of agent workstations and retrieving an identifier of a predetermined public safety entity responsible for serving the local of the workstation from a database of the automatic call distributor. The method further includes the step of forwarding the call along with an identifier of the agent workstation to the public safety entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Electronic Commerce Corp.
    Inventor: Debes Ray
  • Patent number: 6205205
    Abstract: A plurality of subscribers in a telecommunications network are divided into affinity groups. Subscribers in a particular affinity group have a common interest which is different from that of subscribers in other affinity groups. That interest may a common cultural heritage, a common language preference, a common vocational or avocational interest, or the like. Each respective affinity group has associated with it a customized set of call processing characteristics, such as a distinctive dial tone, a distinctive subscriber language preference, and/or an abbreviated dialing list of other subscribers in the group. In addition, each respective affinity group can have a special broadcast message sent to the some or all of the subscribers in the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventors: Randy G. Goldberg, Bruce Lowell Hanson, Amir M. Mane
  • Patent number: 6195658
    Abstract: A method for auditing databases containing records of varied record formats verifies records from a test database against records from a reference database. Records from the test database are converted to test tokens, and records from the reference database are converted to reference tokens. The tokens summarize select fields of data from the records. Thereafter, pattern recognition techniques are used to analyze the tokens to determine Whether the data in the test tokens matches to data in the reference tokens. When an erroneous test token is discovered, an update token is generated to correct a corresponding record in the test database. This method is particularly well suited for auditing enhanced 911 emergency telephone service selective router databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Comito, Paul Boorom, Dennis Carlan, Philip DiRocco, Wilfred St. Martin, George Spence
  • Patent number: 6178230
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method that determine the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call. A distinctive ring is selected by one or more of the users of the telephone prior to activating the feature or at a later time. Information about the individual distinctive ring signals is stored in memory inside the telephone. When an incoming call is received from an external party, the telephone determines which one of the users is the callee of the telephone call. A distinctive ring signal is then generated corresponding to the identified callee of the incoming telephone call. The distinctive ring signal identifies the callee of the incoming telephone call to the telephone users. In order to identify the callee of the incoming telephone call, the telephone system, after answering the incoming telephone call, inquires the caller for the identity of the callee. In another embodiment, a callee is identified using voice recognition techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: David Borland
  • Patent number: 6177887
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing passenger selection of meals, beverages, entertainment, and amenity requests from a passenger seat. Additionally, it provides a method and apparatus for providing information to passengers relating to the aircraft flight and position, and information relating to passenger's connecting flights. Such requests and selections are transmitted to a central computer which maintains inventory, and prints passenger requests organized by seat location. The system supervises passenger games, such that a passenger may play a game against the computer, or any combination of passengers can elect to play among themselves. Additionally, while not in active use by a passenger, the system provides for the display of advertising materials on the passenger seat display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: George A. Jerome
  • Patent number: 6151385
    Abstract: A system for calling designated addressable notify devices in response to a query to a local telephone company's ALI database system. An advertisement of the 9-1-1-call notification service directs the new subscriber to contact their local telephone provider to register with the new service. The local telephone provider supplies the new system with the registered subscriber's telephone number (ANI) and password. The new subscriber them calls the new service provider directly to register their addressable communication devices to be notified pending a positive reaction to an ALI database system query and the service providers subscriber database. When a registration call is received from a new subscriber, the software proceeds with a voice answerback menu to register numbers to be notified. The notify numbers are stored in a list in a database memory maintained by the notify service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: 911 Notify.com, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Don E. Reich, Angelo Salvucci, Kurt E. Warner, William C. Cook
  • Patent number: 6134303
    Abstract: A united home security system for joining a plurality of client-sides is disclosed. The system includes a sensing circuit, a subscriber emergency handling/communication circuit, a client-side monitor/control server, a remote administrating and monitoring device, and an alarm transmitting network. Each client-side communicates with the remote administrating and monitoring device via a public telecom-network, for transmitting the state information at the client-side. In case an emergency signal is detected at any client-side, the client-side monitor/control server communicates with the remote administrating and monitoring device via the telecom-network, and then an alarm signal is generated by the alarm transmitting network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Tempa Communication Inc.
    Inventor: Scanner Chen
  • Patent number: 6108398
    Abstract: An x-ray fluorescent analyzer and method for analyzing a sample, including an x-ray beam generator, which generates an x-ray beam incident at a spot on the sample, and creates a plurality of fluorescent x-ray photons. There are a plurality of semiconducting detectors arrayed around the spot so as to capture the fluorescent x-ray photons and in response produce a plurality of electrical pulses suitable for analysis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Jordan Valley Applied Radiation Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac Mazor, Amos Gvirtzman, Boris Yokhin
  • Patent number: 6104784
    Abstract: Emergency service calls, such as 911 calls, are routed to specially trained operators at public service answering points (PSAPs). A PSAP switch, a special focus private branch exchange (PBX), is provided for interconnecting incoming PSAP calls to a PSAP position staffed by a PSAP operator. The PSAP position comprises a telephone facility for talking to the caller, and a PC for accessing and displaying data about the caller, i.e., the caller's address, and any special characteristics such as a caller's disability, etc. An ISDN, (Inte-grated Services Digital Network), line connects a tandem access switch used for routing PSAP calls with the PSAP switch. The ISDN facility is used for conveying information about the caller for display at the PC of the answering PSAP position. Advantageously, this arrangement provides an integrated system for communicating both the voice of the caller, and the data describing the caller to a PSAP operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher F. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6104785
    Abstract: A subscriber control circuit adapted to be incorporated in an united home security system is disclosed. The control circuit includes a plurality of client-side monitor/control servers, each serving to detect and control the situation at the subscriber and connected to a remote administrating and monitoring device via a public telephone network. The remote administrating and monitoring device is capable of transmitting alarm signal to an alarm transmitting network. The client-side monitor/control server also includes a central processing unit, a radio frequency receiver for receiving a detection signal from wireless sensing elements and an encoder for receiving and processing a detection signal from cabled sensing element. A DTMF based receiver connects the central processing unit to the remote administrating and monitoring device to receive a DTMF signal transmitted through the telephone line and transmit the received DTMF signal to the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Tempa Communication Inc.
    Inventor: Scanner Chen
  • Patent number: 6101240
    Abstract: Emergency service calls, such as 911 calls, are routed to specially trained operators at public service answering points (PSAPs). A PSAP switch, a special focus private branch exchange (PBX), is provided for interconnecting incoming PSAP calls to a PSAP position staffed by a PSAP operator. The PSAP position comprises a telephone facility for talking to the caller, and a PC for accessing and displaying data about the caller, i.e., the caller's address, and any special characteristics such as a caller's disability, etc. An ISDN, (Integrated Services Digital Network), line connects a tandem access switch used for routing PSAP calls with the PSAP switch. The ISDN facility is used for conveying information about the caller for display at the PC of the answering PSAP position. Advantageously, this arrangement provides an integrated system for communicating both the voice of the caller, and the data describing the caller to a PSAP operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Richard Blair, Eugene Gerber, Mark Thomas Miller, Ted Moulos, Christopher F. Robbins, Donald Robert Ziemann
  • Patent number: 6061430
    Abstract: An enhanced telephony system for use in premises monitoring is disclosed. More particularly, such system provides an alert signal upon sensing of a predetermined condition of interest at a business or residential premises. The system provides for the receipt of a sensor signal at telephony service equipment, located at the premises in response to the sensing of a predetermined condition of interest. In turn, such telephony equipment is employed, in response to receipt of a sensor signal, to automatically provide at least one of a human-perceivable alert signal at the premises, or the initiation of a telephony call to a predetermined telephone number corresponding with the service control point maintained within a telephony services network. Preferably, the human-perceivable alert signal provided comprises a ringer cadence distinct from that employed in connection with the receipt of incoming telephone calls from third-parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignees: U S West, Inc., MediaOne Group, Inc
    Inventors: James E. Miller, Adam N. Marx
  • Patent number: 6028915
    Abstract: A method and system for making an emergency call while on-line on a computer includes an input device attached to the computer adapted to receive a command from a computer user for making an emergency call. When user initiates a command to make an emergency call from the input device, a software program executing on the computer overrides all computer functions and transmits the emergency call to an emergency call receiver through the network or by a telephone line. The software program takes priority over all other computer applications on the computer. The invention transmits the emergency call using a computer generated signal, or by computer generated voice, or by way of a facsimile transmission. The emergency call may also include additional pre-stored information held in a memory program, such as address, telephone, e-mail, and medical information, which may be automatically sent along with the emergency call to the emergency call receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher Jordan McNevin
  • Patent number: 6021177
    Abstract: A telecommunications system and device for providing a notification or warning of pending or imminent danger to the public. The system provides the communication of a desired warning signal and the geographic coverage for such signal, the subsequent data search and issuing of such signals, and a preprogrammed, AC/DC powered alarm/notification device which is coupled to individual telephone lines within homes and businesses. The alarm/notification device constantly monitors the telephone line for specific codes, and upon receipt of such codes, is activated to provide visual and/or audio alert notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas C. Allport
  • Patent number: 6002748
    Abstract: Local telephone exchanges in a threatened geographical area connect to their subscribers and transmit a recorded warning message. This is done in response to transmission of threat data communicated from one of several remote computer terminals to a central computer. The central computer has a data storage device upon which is stored a local exchange database and preferably recorded warning messages. Upon receipt of the threat data from the remote computer terminal, the central computer is connected in communication with the local exchanges in the threatened geographical area and instructs the local exchanges to connect to its subscribers and provides instructions or a warning message to be played to the subscribers who go off-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: James L. Leichner
  • Patent number: 5940474
    Abstract: An alarm installation comprises a central alarm station and a number of alarm units. The alarm units can send messages to the central alarm station and the central alarm station can send messages such as voice messages or recorded spoken messages to a number of alert units. All sending and receiving operations are preferably performed on the public telephone network. The alarm units contain at least one operating device and/or detector for an emergency situiation and will at the activation of such a device or detector send a message thereof to the central alarm station. The latter receives the message and will send a corresponding message, e.g. in the shape of a spoken message, to the different alert places. These different alert places can then be interconnected by the central alrm station in order to interchange information in regard of suitable measures to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Jan Ruus
  • Patent number: 5912940
    Abstract: A combination wavelength and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer comprising a point source of isotropic x-rays, a collimator to collect a large flux of x-rays and to redirect them into a substantially parallel beam, dispersing element means having a plurality of diffracting surfaces to reflect and diffract the parallel beam of x-rays into its component wavelength spectrum, controller means to alter the orientation of the dispersing element relative to the beam of x-rays, position tracking means to identify the orientation of the dispersing element and to provide data output, detector means to receive the reflected beam and to quantify its energy spectrum, wavelength spectrum and to provide data output, data display means to exhibit and record the output provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: David O'Hara
  • Patent number: 5862201
    Abstract: An alarm system includes plural customer sites and first and second alarm monitoring stations. Each customer site has an alarm communicator for calling a monitoring station and transmitting an alarm message. The first and second monitoring stations are provided for receiving the alarm message through a telecommunications network. Each monitoring station includes an alarm processor system for processing the alarm message. Alternate routing in the network allows an alarm call to be rerouted from the first monitoring station to the second central monitoring station if the alarm call to the first station cannot be completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Simplex Time Recorder Company
    Inventor: Mack Sands
  • Patent number: 5845230
    Abstract: Vibration data is transmitted from a remote site to a control facility using wireless data transmission. In one embodiment, the vibration signal is conditioned and digitized, and then sent via satellite to a hub satellite receiving station. From the hub satellite receiving station, the data may be sent to the control facility via the public telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: SKF Condition Monitoring
    Inventor: Roger E. Lamberson
  • Patent number: 5764729
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tamper protection device for protecting a telephone operated security alarm system. In particular, it protects a conventional security alarm system using telephone service lines from being disabled by an intruder before the alarm system has a chance to function. Telephone service lines are generally accessible from the exterior of the structure. The alarm system is protected by providing an service enclosure having a strong box and a dual conduit assembly to enclose the telephone service box and telephone service lines. The essential conduit assembly has inner and outer slotted concentric conduits to fully protect the service lines. The protection device includes sensors and switches to inform the security monitor before an intruder can disable the alarm system. A vibration sensor is activated when movements of the strong box and conduit occur and a signal is generated to announce the intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Brian Company Enterprises
    Inventors: Brian W. Black, Brian K. Clift
  • Patent number: 5684860
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically distributing communications between users and a fleet of mobile stations through a central station including a telephone exchange (1), a plurality of telephone answering modules (3) provided with a phone numbers data-bank and connected between said exchange (1) and a LAN net (4), and a pair of central processing modules (5, 5') connected to said LAN net (4) and to a plurality of radio transmission interface modules (6), each of these controlling a receiving radio (7) and a transmitting radio (8). Each mobile station includes a radio transceiver provided with a keyboard and a display, a localizing device, and a local processing module controlling the operation of the mobile station and containing a clock provided with a clock time controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Carlo Milani, Gianantonio Moretto
  • Patent number: 5600639
    Abstract: A broadcast method for simultaneously switching an announcement to a plurality of subscribers of a communication system is provided. Given announcements that are to be disseminated according to the broadcast method of the invention, a call should be switched such that a subscriber hears the announcement from the beginning. In order to meet this demand, call requests for an announcement are inventively collected and are simultaneously through-connected after the expiration of the collecting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Axel Kreten, Klaus Leutner
  • Patent number: 5598456
    Abstract: An integrated telephone, intercom, security and control system for a building having a plurality of units, utilizing a plurality of telephone lines located throughout the building which are connected at one end to telecommunications equipment located in the units and throughout common areas of the building. A digital switching device is connected to the other end each of the telephone lines and arranged to connect at least one of the telephone lines to at least one of another of the telephone lines or to an outside telephone line at the option of a user of the telecommunications equipment. A plurality of sensors located in the units and throughout common areas of the building are arranged for generating signals in response to conditions therein, which are then transmitted to a plurality of control modules connected to the digital switching device by at least one of the telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: David H. Feinberg
  • Patent number: 5589818
    Abstract: A personal response system which provides speakerphone mode and emergency audio mode by controlling microphone sensitivity when audio signals fall below an acceptable level. Adjustable microphone sensitivity which can be controlled by the response center and/or by the help console itself. Emergency audio mode allows low level voices from outside the room the help console is in to be heard by allowing the response center to control the gradual raising or lowering the microphone sensitivity to vary the listening range of the microphone. A simultaneous increase in speaker volume allows response center personnel to converse with a disabled individual who cannot come to the help console. A second microphone and speaker in the personal transmitter permits two-way voice communication even when the individual is disabled outside of the dwelling and the help console is no longer effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Andrew Queen
  • Patent number: 5539665
    Abstract: A method for the recording and retrieval of information relevant to the activities of a user. The invention may be employed to provide a memory prosthesis in the form of a highly portable device which records all kinds of information about the user's life, and provides a simple and rapid means of access to that information. The device receives and stores information from external sources, or objects, or from signal generators identifying specific machines, places, or people carrying other ones of the same type of device. Events comprising encounters between objects are recorded automatically, being time-stamped and stored chronologically, and a rapid search method for such a database is disclosed. The data can either be stored in the memory of the device itself, or, for better protection against failure, in a central data repository of the system, with a fail-safe backup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Lamming, Michael J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5519756
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a local telephone line tamper protection device. In particular, it protects a conventional security alarm system using telephone lines from being disabled by an intruder before it has a chance to function. Telephone service lines are generally accessible from the exterior of the structure. The alarm system is protected by providing an service enclosure having a strong box and a conduit to enclose the telephone service box and service line. The protection device includes sensors and switches to inform the security monitor before an intruder can disable the alarm system. A vibration sensor is activated when movements of the strong box and conduit occur and a signal is generated to announce the intruder. The strong box has two access doors where the locked outside door must be opened to access the locked inside door. Each access door has a separate tamper switch means that generates a signal to also activate the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: The Brian Company
    Inventor: Brian K. Clift
  • Patent number: 5511109
    Abstract: An improved alarm security system is disclosed which provides caller identification information when an alarm panel completes a telephone communication with a central computer. Such information is automatically provided by the telephone network upon initiation of a telephone communication. The central computer can use this information alone or in combination with other information received from the alarm panel to improve reliability and provide a more effective security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Sur-Gard Security Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas Hartley, Doan N. Huan, Sean Bailey
  • Patent number: 5438607
    Abstract: A programmable monitoring system for personal use in a home, medical ward, office or other localized area features a radio receiving base unit and one or more low power, radio-frequency battery-powered wireless transmitter units, each capable of transmitting uniquely encoded pulse-encoded serial digital signals at a common high frequency to the base unit. The base unit has a superregenerative receiver and a microcomputer for deciphering and validating the encoded information to ensure that the coded signal originated with a transmitter unit associated with the base unit. The portable transmitters, once activated, send a coded signal to the base unit indicative of a distress or alarm situation or a low battery condition, and which transmitter unit is transmitting. The base unit deciphers the coded signal and automatically contacts a central monitoring station via a telephone link. The base unit sends the serial number of the base unit, and the specific condition requiring attention, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Monitors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chester T. Przygoda, Jr., Daniel J. Serafin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5392329
    Abstract: An automatic call distribution system (10) with a multiport switch (12) which selectively interconnects telephonic units (16) of an internal network with a plurality of external units (13) of an external telephonic network (14) having an emergency recording system (11) with at least one recorder (18) interconnected with a port of the switch (12), establishing an informational group of units (14), an emergency key (32) on the console (30) of the unit (16) for requesting the recording of a call connected with the unit (16) in which a recorder (18) from a corresponding group is assigned to record the call at the requesting unit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Brian J. Shapley, Pramela M. Ittoop
  • Patent number: 5379337
    Abstract: An emergency call routing system includes a platform having a call router and a processor for identifying destinations to which such router directs emergency calls. The processor receives administration commands from administrators, some of which are at a public safety answering point (PSAP) to which the router directs calls for handling and redirection to emergency service providers (ESPs). Some of such administration commands relate to defining intervals during which a particular PSAP is, according to an administered night service schedule, to be inactive with respect to handling emergency calls. Other of such commands relate to administrative operations to place such PSAPs into such inactive state earlier than the schedule. Others of such commands relate to administrative directions to withdraw such PSAP from such inactive state before the scheduled time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: U S WEST Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Castillo, Lisa M. Neal, Michael J. Nelson, John R. Rice
  • Patent number: 5347568
    Abstract: A device for identifying a specific station, among a plurality of geographically-dispersed stations represented by a common phone number and serviced by a common PBX, which has initiated an emergency "9-1-1" telephone call. The specific station having initiated the call is identified to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP) which is connected in an enhanced "9-1-1" emergency call network. Typically, the PSAP and PBX have different protocols. The device functions to convert the protocol of the PBX to the protocol of the emergency call network. Further, it assigns an arbitrary designation representing the specific station identified as having initiated the emergency call. Further, the invention transmits the arbitrary designation to the appropriate PSAP for responding to the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Telident, Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin Moody, Donald Madson, Gordan Osgood
  • Patent number: 5339351
    Abstract: A 911 emergency response system that includes a location identification module, preferably in solid state circuit form, associated with each residence or each extension of a PBX is disclosed. Preferably, the location identification modules are powered by telephone line voltage. A location identification module is enabled when its associated telephone goes off-hook and an emergency code, e.g., 911 is dialed. Thereafter, in response to an inquiry from the emergency response center that receives the emergency call, the location identification module sends the location of the associated telephone to the emergency response center operator where the location is displayed on a dispatcher's console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: John D. Hoskinson, Stephen W. Horton
  • Patent number: 5337343
    Abstract: The present invention provides a telephonic headset bridging apparatus having relay based circuitry for automatically or manually switching a single telephonic headset to operate and monitor a plurality of communication apparatuses. The bridging apparatus includes isolated circuits so that the various communication devices which are to be operated, using the headset bridging apparatus, are not able to communicate with each other. The invention is particularly designed for use in a police station to use a single telephonic headset to monitor a plurality of communication apparatuses that includes an integrated Public Safety Answering Equipment (PSAP), a telephone, and, in a more particular embodiment, a radio. A recorder connection is also provided in the bridging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: United Telephone Company of Ohio
    Inventor: David R. Stickney
  • Patent number: 5323444
    Abstract: A community emergency response service system is provided with three types of destinations to which emergency calls may be routed. These include public safety answering points (PSAPs), switch directory numbers and public switching telephone network directory numbers. A last chance routing system is effective upon failure of the system to route an incoming one of such emergency calls to one of such three types of destinations. The last chance routing facility performs a linear search of all PSAPs within such system to determine whether any of such PSAPs has been inspected for availability to handle such emergency call. When such linear search identifies a PSAP which has not previously been inspected with respect to its availability to handle such emergency call, a determination is made as to whether such PSAP is currently available. Such determination includes determining whether such PSAP is currently at its call capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: U S West Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Ertz, Lisa M. Neal, Michael J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5311569
    Abstract: A line-based 911 system and method that completes an emergency call from a telephone to a PSAP comprising a multiplicity of operator stations connected by individual lines to a telephone switching system. An emergency call is routed to the termination ports of the switching system associated with a PSAP. Each of the termination ports is connected to one of the multiplicity of operator stations via its associated line, thereby establishing a path from the telephone to the operator station, the CPN of the calling telephone is delivered to the selected operator station and the operator station obtains location information of the telephone in accordance with the CPN, which is then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Joseph M. Brozovich, Nicholas M. DeVito, Douglas C. Kroupa, Paul E. Renn, Paul M. Simek, David A. Snyder, James L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5278539
    Abstract: An emergency alerting system for alerting or warning large numbers of people of the occurrence or threat of an emergency using available communications media. Multiple facilities are monitored for the occurrence of multiple alarm conditions. On the occurrence of such a condition radio or telephone contact is made with a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the LEPC is notified of the site and nature of the alarm condition. Using a predetermined listing or data bank the LEPC selects a number corresponding to the site and condition and transmits such number to an automated controller for a radio transmitter. The transmitter may be part of an existing radio paging system. The automated controller, on the basis of the number dialed in by the LEPC, transmits an appropriate Code Assignment Plan (Cap Code) signal. The Cap Code signal is the electronic signature of a preprogrammed Cap Code chip within individual radio receivers positioned at the sites of intended alarm recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyn Lauterbach, Laird H. Wise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5278538
    Abstract: A bicycle security system includes a locking bicycle rack and employs a user's automated teller banking card to operate the system and debit charges accrued in connection with use of the system from the user's bank account. The locking system has an electronic control means which locks and unlocks the bicycle rack by means of a banking card. The electronic control means includes a timer which tracks time in connection with use of the system. The control means thereafter calculates a charge based upon the use of the system and debits the accrued charges from the user's bank account via telephone modem. The locking bicycle rack incorporates three locking pins which lock the bicycle at the frame, the front wheel and the rear wheel to provide a high degree of security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventors: Kathryn L. Ainsworth, Mark B. Beezer
  • Patent number: 5272465
    Abstract: An automatic alarm code converter wherein a plurality of alarm dialers report alarm conditions using security industry standard pulsed tone, FSK, or DTMF formats and call through the PSTN to the converter. The converter comprises a telephone line interface/decoder, a microprocessor which correlates the received alarm ID and code with addresses in a page data memory. The page data memory contains a pager number and an associated alphanumeric ASCII message The code converter further comprises a software program embodied in an EPROM which instructs on the automatic formatting of the page data into the PET/TAP protocol. The code converter communicates the page data to the paging system through a full duplex serial port either by direct RS232 connection or remotely through a dial-out modem using the PET/TAP protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Telemessaging Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas L. Meares, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5235630
    Abstract: A device for identifying a specific station, among a plurality of geographically-dispersed stations represented by a common phone number and serviced by a common PBX, which has initiated an emergency "9-1-1" telephone call. The specific station having initiated the call is identified to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP) which is connected in an enhanced "9-1-1" emergency call network. Typically, the PSAP and PBX have different protocols. The device functions to convert the protocol of the PBX to the protocol of the emergency call network. Further, it assigns an arbitrary designation representing the specific station identified as having initiated the emergency call. Further, the invention transmits the arbitrary designation to the appropriate PSAP for responding to the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Telident, Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin Moody, Donald Madson, Gordan Osgood
  • Patent number: 5206897
    Abstract: An incarceree identifying circuit used in an incarceree monitoring system includes an incarceree identifier worn by the incarceree at a remote location with an electrical component having a selected electrical characteristic. A comparator circuit measures the selected electrical characteristic and compares the selected electrical characteristic to a reference electrical characteristic. The comparator circuit triggers a timer if the selected electrical characteristic matches the reference electrical characteristic. The timer provides a signal to a speech circuit to disable a speaker. The tone generator is responsive to the signal and provides a verification signal via a telephone link to a central station. A verification circuit at the central location receives the verification signal and determines the presence or absence of the incarceree at the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventors: Noel Goudreau, Dale Monty
  • Patent number: 5195126
    Abstract: A telecommunications system which includes a 911 and voice message service platform for providing such services as telephone answering, voice mail and call completion. An emergency/safety notification system is incorporated and includes a monitor/router device passively connected to the 911 trunk to detect number identification signals. A first storage is provided with the monitor/router and has stored therein data identifying telephone stations subscribing to the emergency alert service. The monitor/router is connectable to the VMS platform and transmits thereto the identification of subscriber stations whose identity is detected from the 911 trunk. The VMS platform is provided with second storage for storing voice data signals generated by the subscriber stations in addition to data including the identity of destination telephone stations to whom the voice data is to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Carrier, Kathleen A. Maier
  • Patent number: 5170426
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for remotely verifying attendance of a particular person at a predetermined confined area. Monitoring and verification is performed through a telephone network including a telephone on the premises of the location of confinement and a control center. Voice verification, using voice analysis of speech transmitted in a telephone call from the site to the center is performed during periodic testing. A voice template vocabulary is established for the individual and used for voice verification. Caller line identification of each incoming call is performed to verify that call originates from the appropriate location. The confined individual is required, either randomly or at scheduled intervals, by the system to call the control center and recite a statement including randomly selected words from the template vocabulary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick D. D'Alessio, Alfred C. Keoppe, Mark A. Wegleitner, Alexander I. McAllister