Ralph B Weaver

US Patent:

59913665, Nov 23, 1999

Filed:

Nov 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/744395

Inventors:

Robert F. Henrick - Basking Ridge NJ
Ralph J. Weaver - Farmingdale NJ

Assignee:

Lucent Technologies Inc. - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

H04M 164

US Classification:

379 8818

Abstract:

A telephone answering machine (TAS) is preprogrammed to place calls automatically to a service bureau (SB) over a telephone or other suitable communications network. In response to the calls, the SB generates and transmits messages (e. g. , compressed digital audio messages) to the TAS for recording and subsequent playback by a user. In this way, users can routinely receive information useful to their daily lives.