US4910762A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Forewarning of telephone automatic answering device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-07-20
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Granted: 1990-03-20
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Expires: 2008-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A method for a telephone network service that utilizes state of the art intercept and message techniques to verbally advise/forewarn a calling party who is calling a line enabled for this service that the line being called will be answered by an automatic answering device, and offer the calling party the option to terminate the call before the called line answers and, if applicable, before billing for the call is initiated.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick A. Blom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:33
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for a telephone network service that can be provided to a telephone subscriber who desires to advise/forewarn incoming calls to his line that his line is enabled to be answered by an automatic answering device comprising: identifying a calling party's line intending to complete to said line enabled for this service, intercepting said calling party's line, whereby a temporary delay of the call completing process is effected, transmitting a verbal message to said calling party, advising that the line being called is enabled to be answered by an automatic answering device, and subsequently releasing said calling party's line from said intercept.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for a telephone network service that can be provided to a telephone subscriber who desires to advise/forewarn incoming calls to his line that his line is enabled to be answered by an automatic answering device comprising: identifying a calling party's line intending to complete to said line enabled for this service, intercepting said calling party's line, whereby a temporary delay of the call completing process is effected, transmitting a verbal message to said calling party, advising that the line being called is enabled to be answered by an automatic answering device, and subsequently releasing said calling party's line from said intercept.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said calling party is also advised of the option, and allowed the opportunity, to terminate the call before the called line answers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said calling party is also advised of the option, and allowed the opportunity, to terminate the call in time to avoid being billed for a completed call.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said calling party is also advised of the option, and allowed the opportunity, to terminate the call in time to avoid being billed for a completed call.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
JPS60130251A
Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-03-19 | 1993-09-18 | 1994-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-03-19 | 1997-09-18 | 1998-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-03-19 | 2001-09-18 | 2002-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |