Method and apparatus for a pre-paid return call
March 15, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesAnonymous interactive telephone system Spontaneous voice and data messaging Method and apparatus for the billing of value-added communication calls Automatic call back system and method of operation ACD arrangement for automatically returning a call at a time specified by the original caller Applications platform for a telephone system gateway interface Communications system call complete arrangement Pabx with voice mail device Help desk improvement Patent #: 5625682 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 616413 filed on 03/15/1996US Classes:379/67.1, AUDIO MESSAGE STORAGE, RETRIEVAL, OR SYNTHESIS379/114.05, Special service fees (e.g., customized feature)379/114.2, Pre-paid calling account or card379/209.01Repetitive call attempts (e.g., camp-on-busy, retry)ExaminersPrimary: Brown, Thomas W.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH04M 003/48H04M 003/50 H04M 015/16 AbstractA method and apparatus for allowing a caller to leave a message for an unreachable called party. The method and apparatus provides the caller with an option for a pre-paid return call that is billed to the caller. When the intended recipient of the call is unreachable, the call is transferred to a message server that gives the caller the option for a pre-paid return call for the recipient. The recipient is then notified of the available pre-paid return call through periodic callbacks to the intended recipient or by alerting the recipient the next time the recipient makes a call. The receiver of the message has the option of returning the call immediately or at a later time within a time duration set by the caller.Field of SearchAt switching facility (e.g., central office, switchboard) | |
