Abstract: An apparatus for verifying the central office billing translations from a remote location is disclosed. The system includes a processor with software which generates patterned telephone calls through a test set at the switch at a switching station to all working access codes. The billing information of these calls is then recorded. Once the recorded information is processed, the records which originated from the test set are identified by their assigned telephone number. These records are extracted and preferably recorded such that they can be automatically verified against an accurate routing and billing table for the specific site. The table is preferably stored in the test set.

Abstract: A mass polling system with cut-through capabilities is provided. The mass polling system is of the type which includes circuitry for switching calls to a selected telephone number to at least one trunk and means for tabulating the number of calls to the selected telephone number. A recorded message is presented to the majority of the callers responding to the mass polling question. The mass polling system further includes a cut-through circuit which enables the poll sponsor to randomly talk to callers responding to the question presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test set which checks the communication line from a central office to a telephone responder which has a predetermined telephone number and which generates an output signal consisting of a predetermined sequence of signals. The checking is performed from a central testing station from where an operator inputs a test signal which identifies the telephone number of the test set located in the central office from which the test is to be made. Once the connection is established, the telephone number of the responder to be called is transmitted. The test set includes a signal detector which identifies an input signal. The signal detector is interfaced to the responder transmission medium such that the signal detector receives responder output signal as an input signal. The test set further includes a memory which includes the correct signal which should be received from the responder with called telephone number, and a processor.

Abstract: A mass polling system is situated in a central office of a telephone system, and does not employ toll machines or trunk lines leading to toll machines. The mass polling system ensures that a charge record is generated before the beginning of a recorded announcement, during the period while the caller is receiving an audible ring signal. Preferably, the charge record is generated at the initiation of the audible ring signal. In this way billing errors due to early caller disconnect are reduced or eliminated. The mass polling system is responsive to a billing disable command which prevents the mass polling system from causing charge records to be generated when the mass polling system is out of service.

Abstract: A cable pulling system includes a pickup truck having on-board hydraulic and electrical systems, the hydraulic system including a pump driven by the truck engine, a reservoir tank mounted in the truck cargo bed and associated plumbing. An equipment module is removably mountable on the cargo bed and comprises a pallet which carries a hydraulic control console adapted to be coupled to the hydraulic system, a sump pump removably disposed in a support, a hydraulic winch motor and a take-up reel respectively removably mounted on pivoting supports, a reel of hydraulic conduit having one end thereof coupled to the hydraulic system and the other end adapted to be coupled to the sump pump, and an extension reel of hydraulic conduit for coupling the winch motor or the sump pump to the hydraulic system. The winch motor and take-up reel are mounted on a bumper support for use.

Abstract: A tool inserted within a circular duct is adapted to securely engage the inner surface of the duct to facilitate drawing the duct through a conduit. The tool includes a screw inserted within a hollow tube-like member open at a first end and having a threaded inner surface along the length thereof for engaging the screw. A second, closed end of the tube-like member includes an expanded end portion. Positioned on the screw adjacent the first end of the tube-like member is a nut. Located along the length on the outside of the tube-like member are a plurality of alternately arranged rigid cylindrical spacers and compressible tubular sleeves. Displacement of the nut along the screw toward the hollow tube-like member causes the nut to abut and displace an immediately adjacent cylindrical spacer. Further rotation of the nut produces an abutting linear arrangement of the alternating cylindrical spacers and tubular sleeves causing the longitudinal compression of each of the tubular sleeves.

Abstract: A cable pulling truck has a rear bumper assembly secured to the vehicle frame. The bumper assembly includes two laterally outwardly extensible telescoping outrigger supports, each carrying at its outer end an upstanding vertical support tube for receiving therein the shaft of an associated winch motor in its use configuration. Each outrigger also carries a hand-operated jack assembly for supporting the vehicle on the ground, each jack assembly being pivotally movable between storage and use conditions. Multiple hydraulic and electrical couplers are carried by the bumper assembly for connecting the cable pulling system to hydraulic and electrical systems on board the truck.

Abstract: A duct liner interconnecting device for temporarily interconnecting the ends of sections of duct liner includes a pair of complementary semi-cylindrical elements hinged together along one edge for movement from an open position in which the elements are side by side to a closed position in which the elements form a short tubular member with a longitudinal channel to receive the ends of duct liner sections to be interconnected, a pair of arcuate spring clips pivotally attached to one of the elements releasably latch the elements together in the closed position, and a tapped aperture in one of the elements receives a lubrication fitting to allow the introduction of lubricant into the duct liner to facilitate pulling of lightguide cable through the duct liner.

Abstract: A mounting system for an additional communication cable on a utility pole is described. This mounting system includes a support arm which bolts to a through bolt that extends through the utility pole and is used to mount a pre-existing communication cable. A strand clamp is mounted to the outer end of the support arm, and the strand clamp serves to support a strand and a communication cable such as a CATV cable in the conventional manner. If desired, a diagonal reinforcing strap can be provided between the pole and the support arm. By using a single through bolt to mount both the strand clamp for the existing communication cable and the support arm, clearance and interference problems are minimized and installation costs are reduced.