John D Mcclure

US Patent:

6674994, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Dec 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/452500

Inventors:

Gail Hegarty Fell - Rye NY
Jie Yang - Stamford CT
Walter Randall Tabor - Lithonia GA
David Lynn Bullock - Conyers GA
John Joseph McClure - Stone Mountain GA

Assignee:

Panamsat Corporation - Wilton CT

International Classification:

H04H 700

US Classification:

455 306, 455 121, 455427, 725 63

Abstract:

A data file is regarded as a digital package. A conventional interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communications links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a âdispatcherâ for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivery and billing based on bits.

US Patent:

20040092251, May 13, 2004

Filed:

Oct 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/692920

Inventors:

Gail Fell - Rye NY, US
Jie Yang - Stamford CT, US
Walter Tabor - Lithonia GA, US
David Bullock - Conyers GA, US
John McClure - Stone Mountain GA, US

International Classification:

H04Q007/20

US Classification:

455/412100, 455/427000, 455/428000

Abstract:

A data file is regarded as a digital package. A convenient interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communication links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivering and billing based on bits.