The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 28, 1992
Filed:
Mar. 19, 1990
Joel A Pugh, Dallas, TX (US);
Robert E Nimon, Arlington, TX (US);
Messager Partners, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A multi-node telephone network having at least caller-controlled interfaces for providing automatic voice messaging. A first caller-controlled interface unit is preferably located in a trunk or line between the calling station and a first switch for providing intercept and redirect functions associated with automatic voice messaging. The first switch is connected to a second switch via one or more digital communication links. A second caller-controlled interface unit is located in one of the digital communication links for providing intercept and redirect functions associated with automatic voice messaging. According to the invention, each of the interface units includes arbitration control circuits responsive to predetermined signaling to determine which of the interface units will provide the intercept and redirect functions upon call initiation to the called station by a caller at the calling station. The predetermined signaling is preferably provided in a common channel signaling No. 7 (SS7) protocol.