Patent US1765701A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5070525A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for avoiding call blocking
Assignee: CONCERTO INTERNATIONAL Inc
•
Filing: 1990-02-12
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Granted: 1991-12-03
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Expires: 2010-02-12
Abstract
Abstract Methods for avoiding a call blocking feature. In a first method a list is kept for the trunks previously used to call a particular telephone number. Each time that particular telephone number is called a different trunk, not on that list, is used to place the call. The list is cleared and restarted whenever all the trunks have been used. In a second method a list is kept for trunks for which a call blocking message has been received when an attempt was made to call that telephone number. Each time that particular telephone number is called a trunk which is not on that list is used to place the call. Only non-blocked trunks are used to call a telephone number.
Inventors
- 👤 Aleksander Szlam
- 👤 James W. Crooks, Jr.
- 👤 II Charles L. Warner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:10
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/64; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/436; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/5158
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 71
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called; (b) inspecting a list of trunks which have previously been used to call said telephone number; (c) seizing a trunk which is not on said list; and (d) placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called; (b) inspecting a list of trunks which have previously been used to call said telephone number; (c) seizing a trunk which is not on said list; and (d) placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising, after step (a), the steps of: if said telephone number has been previously called then proceeding to step (b); and otherwise, seizing a trunk and proceeding to step (d).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said system has a plurality of trunks and further comprising, after step (b), the steps of: if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list then clearing said list, seizing a trunk, and proceeding to step (d); and otherwise, proceeding to step (c).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising the step of: (e) updating said list by adding said trunk to said list.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising the steps of: (e) if said call is answered then updating said list by adding said trunk to said list; and (f) otherwise returning to step (a).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: (e) if a busy signal is detected on said trunk then terminating said call; (f) if an operator is not projected to be available within a first predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (g) if said call has not been answered within a second predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (h) if said call is answered and an operator is not available then terminating said call; and (i) if said call is answered and an operator is available then connecting said call to said operator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 6 wherein steps (e), (f), and (g) further comprise marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6 wherein step (h) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 6 wherein step (h) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again after a predetermined time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 6 wherein step (h) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is available.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 6 wherein step (h) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is projected to become available.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said first predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said second predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 6 wherein each said step of terminating said call comprises releasing said trunk.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said first predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said second predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
190 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called and seizing a trunk of a plurality of trunks; (b) inspecting a record to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; (c) if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; (d) if said call blocking feature has been previously encountered with respect to said telephone number then inspecting list of blocked trunks to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk; (e) if said call blocking feature has not been previously encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk then placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; and (f) if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk then seizing another trunk and returning to step (d).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
190 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called and seizing a trunk of a plurality of trunks; (b) inspecting a record to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; (c) if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; (d) if said call blocking feature has been previously encountered with respect to said telephone number then inspecting list of blocked trunks to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk; (e) if said call blocking feature has not been previously encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk then placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; and (f) if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered for said telephone number with respect to said trunk then seizing another trunk and returning to step (d).
Claim 20
Independent Claim
42 words
The method of 17 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: monitoring said call for a call blocking message; and if said call blocking message is detected then adding said trunk to said list of blocked trunks.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
42 words
The method of 17 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: monitoring said call for a call blocking message; and if said call blocking message is detected then adding said trunk to said list of blocked trunks.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 18 and further comprising the step of: if said call blocking message is detected then marking said record to indicate that said call blocking feature has been encountered with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 18 and further comprising the steps of: if call blocking message is detected then: inspecting said records to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; and if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then marking said record to indicate that said call blocking feature has been encountered with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
47 words
The method of 17 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then notifying an operator that all said trunks have been blocked.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
47 words
The method of 17 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then notifying an operator that all said trunks have been blocked.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of 17 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then marking a log to indicate that all said trunks were blocked with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of 17 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then marking a log to indicate that all said trunks were blocked with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of claim 17 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: (g) if a busy signal is detected on said trunk then terminating said call; (h) if an operator is not projected to be available within a first predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (i) if said call has not been answered within a second predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (j) if said call is answered and an operator is not available then terminating said call; and (k) if said call is answered and an operator is available then connecting said call to said operator.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 23 wherein steps (g), (h), and (i) further comprise marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 23 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 23 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again after a predetermined time.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 23 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is available.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 23 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is projected to become available.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said first predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said second predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 23 wherein each said step of terminating said call comprises releasing said trunk.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 23 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said first predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 23 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said second predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
113 words
The method of claim 17 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: (g) if a busy signal is detected on said trunk then terminating said call; (h) if an operator is not projected to be available within a first predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (i) if said call has not been answered within a second predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (j) if said call is answered and an operator is not available then playing a predetermined message; and (k) if said call is answered and an operator is available then connecting said call to said operator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 34 wherein steps (g), (h), and (i) further comprise marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 34 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again if an operator is not available after a predetermined period.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 34 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again after a third predetermined time if an operator is not available after a predetermined period.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 34 wherein step (j) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is available if an operator is not available after a predetermined period.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said first predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said second predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 34 wherein each said step of terminating said call comprises releasing said trunk.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 34 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said first predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 34 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said second predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
153 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called; (b) inspecting a record to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; (c) if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then seizing an available trunk of a plurality of trunks and placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; (d) if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then inspecting a blocked trunk list to determined whether an available trunk is on said blocked trunk list; and (e) if an available trunk is not on said blocked trunk list then seizing said available trunk and placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said available trunk.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
153 words
For use with an automated call dialing system, a method for avoiding a call blocking feature, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a telephone number to be called; (b) inspecting a record to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; (c) if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then seizing an available trunk of a plurality of trunks and placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk; (d) if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then inspecting a blocked trunk list to determined whether an available trunk is on said blocked trunk list; and (e) if an available trunk is not on said blocked trunk list then seizing said available trunk and placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said available trunk.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 44 and further comprising the step of: (f) if all available trunks are on said blocked trunk list then making a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 44 wherein step (f) comprises the steps of: if all available trunks are on said blocked trunk list for at least a first predetermined time then marking said record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again; and if a trunk not on said blocked trunk list becomes available within said first predetermined time then seizing said trunk and placing a call by dialing said telephone number on said trunk.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
47 words
The method of 44 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then notifying an operator that all said trunks have been blocked.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
47 words
The method of 44 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then notifying an operator that all said trunks have been blocked.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of 44 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then marking a log to indicate that all said trunks were blocked with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of 44 and further comprising the steps of: inspecting said list to determine if all trunks of said plurality of trunks are on said list; and if all said trunks are on said list then marking a log to indicate that all said trunks were blocked with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
42 words
The method of 44 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: monitoring said call for a call blocking message; and if said call blocking message is detected then adding said trunk to said list of blocked trunks.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
42 words
The method of 44 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: monitoring said call for a call blocking message; and if said call blocking message is detected then adding said trunk to said list of blocked trunks.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 49 and further comprising the step of: if said call blocking message is detected then marking said record to indicate that said call blocking feature has been encountered with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 49 and further comprising the steps of: if said call blocking message is detected then: inspecting said records to determine if said call blocking feature has previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number; and if said call blocking feature has not previously been encountered with respect to said telephone number then marking said record to indicate that said call blocking feature has been encountered with respect to said telephone number.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of claim 41 and further comprising, after said call has been placed, the steps of: (f) if a busy signal is detected on said trunk then terminating said call; (g) if an operator is not projected to be available within a first predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (h) if said call has not been answered within a second predetermined time after said call was placed then terminating said call; (i) if said call is answered and an operator is not available then terminating said call; and (j) if said call is answered and an operator is available then connecting said call to said operator.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 52 wherein steps (f), (g), and (h) further comprise marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 52 wherein step (i) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 52 wherein step (i) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again after a predetermined time.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 52 wherein step (i) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is available.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 52 wherein step (i) further comprises marking a record to indicate that said telephone number is to be called again as soon as an operator is projected to become available.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 52 wherein said first predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 52 wherein said second predetermined time is programmable.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 52 wherein each said step of terminating said call comprises releasing said trunk.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 52 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said first predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 52 and further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting said second predetermined time in response to current operating conditions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4797911A
Cited
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