The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In one aspect, a system is configured to monitor utility meters (613) in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters (614), each integrated into a sensor (612) adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers (221) that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway (210) to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer (260) on a network (230). The dedicated computer collects, compiles and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal to be applied at a designated actuator.

System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devices

An intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact.

Intelligent Automated Assistant

A location reporting paging communication system comprising space satellites, ground stations and a remote receiving unit adapted to resolve a global position from signals transmitted from a communication transmitter. The subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit updates the paging network with global positioning information. A caller paging a subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit may request the global location of the remote receiving unit. The paging network could divulge or block such information from a caller depending on the requirements of the subscriber.

Location reporting satellite paging system with optional blocking of location reporting

An intelligent gateway device provided at a premise (home or business) for providing and managing application services associated with use and support of a plurality of digital endpoint devices associated with the premises. The device includes a communications and processing infrastructure integrated with a peer and presence messaging based communications protocol for enabling communications between the device and an external support network and between the device and connected digital endpoint devices. A services framework at the gateway device implements the communications and processing infrastructure for enabling service management, service configuration, and authentication of user of services at the intelligent gateway. The framework provides a storage and execution environment for supporting and executing received service logic modules relating to use, management, and support of the digital endpoint devices. Thus, the gateway device provides a network-based services point of presence for a plurality of digital endpoint devices at the premises.

Multi-services application gateway and system employing the same

Location sharing and tracking using mobile phones or other wireless devices

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for installing a utility conveyance. A tractor which includes sensors, a plow locator and a monitor system is presented. The sensors are used to locate demarcation points, which identify the boundaries of a right way or a preexisting utility conveyance. The plow locator is used to determine the location of a plow relative to a preexisting utility conveyance. Sensing information produced by the sensors and plow location information produced by the plow locator are communicated to the monitor system. A visual representation of the demarcation points and the position of the plow relative to the demarcation points is displayed on a screen associated with the monitor system. As such, a tractor operator may navigate an engineered path and install a utility conveyance.

Cable plow installation monitor method and apparatus

The present invention enables information about a service impacting network event to be collected from network operations and automatically conveyed to a Media Server that plays a network announcement to callers into network customer service center. The announcement can be played as an option on an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menu and informs the caller of known service issues that are being addressed and estimates of when service should return to normal.

Method and apparatus for providing network announcements about service impairments

A method and apparatus for enabling a tool to collect alerting information of network disruptions across access networks external to a packet network, e.g., a VoIP network, is disclosed. By monitoring the status of external access networks, service disruptions in the VoIP network that can be potentially caused by such access networks can be anticipated, prevented, diagnosed and/or resolved rapidly.

Method and apparatus for monitoring of access network status in communication networks

The location of a casing (10) as it is pushed through the earth during installation is monitored by transmitting a locating signal into a water reservoir (24) that supplies water into an auxiliary water pipe (18) that runs substantially the length of the casing for the purpose of monitoring the level of the casing. The water carries the signal into the pipe so that the signal radiates above the ground along the length of the casing. By detecting the signal via a cable locator (30), the location of the casing can be monitored during installation.

Casing/push bore monitor technique

A method and apparatus for enabling a peering arrangement between distinct packet networks so that traffic between these networks remains on the IP network from the point of origination to the point of termination are disclosed. IP peering is an arrangement that allows two or more IP carriers to be interconnected so that IP packets originating in one carrier can be terminated in another carrier's network. In one embodiment, the peering arrangement between packet networks is implemented while establishing a class of service across different packet networks.

Hossein Eslambolchi

Papers

Cable plow installation monitor method and apparatus

Method and apparatus for providing network announcements about service impairments

Method and apparatus for monitoring of access network status in communication networks

Casing/push bore monitor technique

Method and apparatus for establishing class of service across peering communication networks