US5163080A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Voice messaging
Assignee: VOICE-TEL ENTERPRISES Inc
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Filing: 1989-02-22
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Granted: 1992-11-10
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Expires: 2009-02-22
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for providing voice messaging services from a plurality of central office facilities is disclosed. Customer voice messaging computers are provided access to the central office facilities via an adjunct SMDI processor. The processor preferably includes an appropriately programmed AT-compatible computer and board.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Amoroso
- 👤 Bruce A. Prentice
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:19
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/50; H04M3/53; H04M3/533; H04M3/53325
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
Message interface apparatus comprising: a) a plurality of simplified message desk interfaces (SMDIs), said SMDIs providing at least one messaging service; b) voice messaging means; and c) means for providing voice messaging service from said voice messaging means to each of said simplified message desk interfaces, said voice messaging service means comprising an adjunct SMDI processor, said adjunct SMDI processor performing at least a step of performing a user extension to mailbox translation based upon all forwarding data in an SMDI data packet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
Message interface apparatus comprising: a) a plurality of simplified message desk interfaces (SMDIs), said SMDIs providing at least one messaging service; b) voice messaging means; and c) means for providing voice messaging service from said voice messaging means to each of said simplified message desk interfaces, said voice messaging service means comprising an adjunct SMDI processor, said adjunct SMDI processor performing at least a step of performing a user extension to mailbox translation based upon all forwarding data in an SMDI data packet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for answering a plurality of telephone lines in a single mailbox.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for activating a stutter dial tone on a plurality of telephone lines from any of said voice messaging service means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for activating a stuttered dial tone on a plurality of phone lines, said stuttered dial tone activated in response to a signal from a single mailbox.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for providing voice messaging service further comprises an appropriately programmed digital computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 5 further comprising data links, said data links for interconnecting said digital computer with said voice messaging means and with said SMDIs; and alarm means, said alarm means indicating a failure in said data links from said SMDI processor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said alarm means further comprises a clock means and means for inputting a periodic signal, wherein said alarm means is activated after a pre-determined number of pulses from said clock means in the absence of said periodic signal.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means; and c) answering a plurality of telephone lines in a single mailbox.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means; and c) answering a plurality of telephone lines in a single mailbox.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising the step of activating a stutter dial tone on a plurality of telephone lines in a plurality of central office facilities.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means; and c) selecting a first mailbox for activation in response to a first reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service, a second mailbox in response to a second reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service, and a third mailbox in response to a third reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means; and c) selecting a first mailbox for activation in response to a first reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service, a second mailbox in response to a second reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service, and a third mailbox in response to a third reason for entry to the voice messaging interface service.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service in a digital computer programmed to produce a periodic pulse, said computer further comprising a clock means adapted to indicate an alarm if said pulse is not received by said clock means after a pre-determined period, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; and b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of providing voice messaging interface service in a digital computer programmed to produce a periodic pulse, said computer further comprising a clock means adapted to indicate an alarm if said pulse is not received by said clock means after a pre-determined period, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing connections for a plurality of central office facilities to a simplified message desk interface (SMDI) processor, said central office facilities providing at least one voice messaging service; and b) providing said at least one voice messaging service from each of said central office facilities to a plurality of voice messaging computer means.
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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) | 1995-11-10 | 1996-05-11 | 1996-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-10 | 2000-05-11 | 2000-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-10 | 2004-05-11 | 2004-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |