US5566236A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for re-establishing a disconnected telephone communication
Assignee: Genband US LLC
•
Filing: 1996-01-05
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Granted: 1996-10-15
•
Expires: 2016-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A system and method provides a tandem switch and call control/management platform to establish a telephone connection (bridge) between two parties, the telephone connection being initiated by one of the parties. The tandem switch connects a telecommunications system (Centrex or PBX) with cellular or wireless telephones. If either party is disconnected from the tandem switch, the telephone connection between the tandem switch and the remaining party is maintained. The telephone connection is re-established by instructing the tandem switch to reconnect the disconnected party to the maintained party.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick J. MeLampy
- 👤 Andrew D. Ory
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:10
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W4/00; H04W4/12; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/42229; H04M3/4228; H04M3/42314; H04M3/436; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/523; H04M3/54; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/0029; H04Q3/005; H04Q3/58; H04Q3/62; H04W84/00; H04W84/02; H04W84/10; H04W84/16; H04M2207/00; H04M2207/12; H04M2207/18; H04M2207/20; H04M3/42323; H04M3/5125; H04M3/5183; H04M7/00; H04M7/06; H04M7/12; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/1302; H04Q2213/1304; H04Q2213/13072; H04Q2213/1309; H04Q2213/13093; H04Q2213/13097; H04Q2213/13098; H04Q2213/13103; H04Q2213/13106; H04Q2213/13107; H04Q2213/13176; H04Q2213/13179; H04Q2213/13199; H04Q2213/1322; H04Q2213/13222; H04Q2213/13256; H04Q2213/13282; H04Q2213/13299; H04Q2213/1334; H04Q2213/13343; H04Q2213/13374; H04Q2213/13378; H04Q2213/13396
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a first telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said tandem switch, and connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said first telephone call; switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; sensing, through said call control platform, a disconnection of one of said first and second telephone lines; controlling said tandem switch to maintain the connection with the other of said first and second telephone lines; and re-establishing the connection between said first and second parties by instructing said tandem switch to reconnect said disconnected telephone line to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a first telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said tandem switch, and connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said first telephone call; switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; sensing, through said call control platform, a disconnection of one of said first and second telephone lines; controlling said tandem switch to maintain the connection with the other of said first and second telephone lines; and re-establishing the connection between said first and second parties by instructing said tandem switch to reconnect said disconnected telephone line to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said controlling step may be initiated from any telephone connectable to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said disconnection is an unintentional disconnection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said re-establishing step is initiated from a remote telephone terminal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said re-establishing step is initiated from a wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said re-establishing step further includes the step of initiating a second telephone call to said call control platform.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said re-establishing step further includes the step of receiving a second telephone call by said call control platform.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; detecting, through said call control platform, a disconnection of said first telephone line from said tandem switch; retaining the connection between said tandem switch and said second telephone line despite said detected disconnection of said first telephone line; and directing, through said call control platform, said tandem switch to reestablish said telephone connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; detecting, through said call control platform, a disconnection of said first telephone line from said tandem switch; retaining the connection between said tandem switch and said second telephone line despite said detected disconnection of said first telephone line; and directing, through said call control platform, said tandem switch to reestablish said telephone connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a wireless telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line by switching said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch from said wireless telephone terminal, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection of said tandem switch with said first telephone line; and directing said tandem switch to re-establish said connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a wireless telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line by switching said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch from said wireless telephone terminal, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection of said tandem switch with said first telephone line; and directing said tandem switch to re-establish said connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said controlling step is initiated upon detecting a disconnection of said second telephone line.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said directing step is initiated from said wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch within a call management platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; switching, in a manner controlled by said call management platform, said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line and to a second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said first telephone line; and re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch within a call management platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; switching, in a manner controlled by said call management platform, said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line and to a second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said first telephone line; and re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said controlling step is initiated upon detecting a disconnection of said second telephone line.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said re-establishing step is initiated from said remotely located telephone terminal.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call, via a wireless telephone terminal connected to a first telephone line, from a first party to a second party; providing a tandem switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party; switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch by said second party, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line; and re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch in response to a control signal sent to said tandem switch by said second party.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call, via a wireless telephone terminal connected to a first telephone line, from a first party to a second party; providing a tandem switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party; switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; controlling said tandem switch by said second party, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line; and re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch in response to a control signal sent to said tandem switch by said second party.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said controlling step is initiated upon detecting a disconnection of said first telephone line.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said re-establishing step is initiated from a second wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said switch for connecting-said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; and controlling said tandem switch, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line and to re-establish the connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said method comprising the steps of: initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; providing a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said switch for connecting-said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; and controlling said tandem switch, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line and to re-establish the connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said controlling step is initiated upon detecting a disconnection of said first telephone line.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said re-establishment is initiated from a second wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
176 words
A system for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiation means for initiating a first telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said tandem switch, said tandem switch being connected to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said first telephone call; switching means for switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; sensing means for sensing, through said call control platform, a disconnection of one of said first and second telephone lines; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch to maintain the connection with the other of said first and second telephone lines; and re-establishing means for re-establishing the connection between said first and second parties by instructing said tandem switch to reconnect said disconnected telephone line to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
176 words
A system for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiation means for initiating a first telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said tandem switch, said tandem switch being connected to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said first telephone call; switching means for switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; sensing means for sensing, through said call control platform, a disconnection of one of said first and second telephone lines; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch to maintain the connection with the other of said first and second telephone lines; and re-establishing means for re-establishing the connection between said first and second parties by instructing said tandem switch to reconnect said disconnected telephone line to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said switch controlling means includes any telephone connectable to said maintained telephone line.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said disconnection is an unintentional disconnection.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said re-establishing means includes a remote telephone terminal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said re-establishing means includes a wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 21, wherein said re-establishing means includes means for initiating a second telephone call to said call control platform.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said re-establishing means includes means for receiving a second telephone call by said call control platform.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; detecting means for detecting, through said call control platform, a disconnection of said first telephone line from said tandem switch; retaining means for retaining the connection between said tandem switch and said second telephone line despite said detected disconnection of said first telephone line; and switch directing means for directing, through said call control platform, said tandem switch to re-establish said telephone connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for re-establishing a disconnected telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; detecting means for detecting, through said call control platform, a disconnection of said first telephone line from said tandem switch; retaining means for retaining the connection between said tandem switch and said second telephone line despite said detected disconnection of said first telephone line; and switch directing means for directing, through said call control platform, said tandem switch to re-establish said telephone connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a wireless telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch; switch connecting means for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line by switching said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch from said wireless telephone terminal, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection of said tandem switch with said first telephone line; and switch directing means for directing said tandem switch to re-establish said connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a wireless telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch; switch connecting means for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line by switching said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch from said wireless telephone terminal, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection of said tandem switch with said first telephone line; and switch directing means for directing said tandem switch to re-establish said connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said switch controlling means initiates control of said switch upon detecting a disconnection of said second telephone line.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said switch directing means is controlled from said wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch within a call management platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; switching means for switching, in a manner controlled by said call management platform, said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line and to a second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said first telephone line; and re-establishing means for re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch within a call management platform for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; switching means for switching, in a manner controlled by said call management platform, said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line and to a second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch, when said second telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said first telephone line; and re-establishing means for re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 32 wherein said controlling means is controlled by detection of a disconnection of said second telephone line.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 32 wherein said re-establishing means is controlled by said remotely located telephone terminal.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call, via a wireless telephone terminal connected to a first telephone line, from a first party to a second party; a tandem switch for connecting to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party; switching means for switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch by said second party, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line; and re-establishing means for re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch in response to a control signal sent to said tandem switch by said second party.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call, via a wireless telephone terminal connected to a first telephone line, from a first party to a second party; a tandem switch for connecting to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party; switching means for switching said tandem switch to connect said first telephone line to said second telephone line, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch by said second party, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line; and re-establishing means for re-establishing said connection between said first and second parties via said tandem switch in response to a control signal sent to said tandem switch by said second party.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 35 wherein operation of said switch controlling means is initiated by a disconnection of said first telephone line.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 35 wherein operation of said re-establishing means is initiated from a second wireless telephone terminal.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
142 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; and switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line and to re-establish the connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
142 words
A system for controlling a telephone connection between parties, said system comprising: call initiating means for initiating a telephone call from a first party using a remotely located telephone terminal to a second party via a first telephone line; a tandem switch and a call control platform connected to said switch for connecting said tandem switch to said first telephone line and to a second telephone line connected to said second party in response to said call; connecting means for connecting said first telephone line to said second telephone line via said tandem switch, thereby establishing a telephone connection between said first and second parties; and switch controlling means for controlling said tandem switch, when said first telephone line has been disconnected, to maintain the connection with said second telephone line and to re-establish the connection between said first and second parties.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 38 wherein operation of said switch controlling means is initiated by detection of a disconnection of said first telephone line.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 38 wherein of said re-establishment is initiated from a second wireless telephone terminal.
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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) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-04-15 | 2000-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-15 | 2004-04-15 | 2004-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-04-15 | 2008-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |