Abstract: A set of playing cards is provided with images of different products and their components on one side of the cards arranged in a novel way. In one embodiment, a plurality of cards of a first rank includes an image of an assembled product of the company. A plurality of cards of other ranks within the same suit includes components of that assembled product. For example, the ace of spades may include a first assembled product. Other cards in the spades suit may include images of components of the product displayed on the ace. Similarly, the ace of hearts may include an image of a second product of a company and other cards of the hearts suit may include components of the product shown on the ace. Cards of the same rank include images of components having similar or analogous functions.

Abstract: A TDM (Time Division Multiplexed) telephony switching system which provides expanded switching capacity without change in the physical form factor of the system or of the design of the circuits which provide TDM multiplexed digital signals (the port and service circuits). Additional ports and service circuits are provided in the same number of time slots per frame as existed before system expansion thereby providing additional ports and/or service circuits which can be interconnected without significantly affecting the cost of the system. Expansion is achieved by multiplexing the digital signals and transmitting them at a higher rate on existing send highways of the system. The time slot interchange is expanded by providing a memory with additional locations for each group of additional circuits.

Abstract: A time division multiplex switching system converts call formats and signalling protocols so that calls can be interchanged between circuits originating in different networks thereby providing a gateway for telephone transmissions originating from sources (e.g., foreign countries) having differences in transmission (signal attenuation characteristics and companding laws) and signalling and numbering plans or protocols. This switching system is characterized by a processor which is programmed to identify the circuits requiring interconnection and to process signalling messages in accordance with the signalling systems and formats used in the circuits, while translating the signalling messages into common, protocol independent signaling messages which are used for establishing time division multiplex connections in a time slot interchange which is connected to the circuits via PCM highways and for exchanging signalling information (e.g.

Abstract: A digital private automatic branch exchange provides a plurality of ports which may comprise line trunks or operator circuits, the ports being grouped with each group being controlled by an individual microprocessor circuit which performs all real time control over the ports. Voice communication between ports is effected by time division multiplex in connection with a digital switch system forming part of a common control which is controlled by a central processing unit responsive to the microprocessors in each port group for assigning time slots to each interconnection channel. Isolation between the central processing unit and the rest of the system is provided by a peripheral bus to which the common control units and port groups are connected, which peripheral bus is connected to the CPU bus by way of an interface circuit, permitting the system to operate with various types of central processing units without redesign of the peripheral units.

Abstract: A time division digital communication system which does not require a common control unit for accomplishing interconnections, having a plurality of modular switching units. The switching units are identical and each unit has its own port circuits to which subscriber lines and/or trunks may be connected, service circuits, a time slot interchange and a microprocessor control and timing unit. The switching units are in direct communication via separate send highways, one for the port circuits and the other for the service circuits of each switching unit. The microprocessors of each switching unit are also in direct communication by way of control lines. The inter-switching unit send highways are connected to separate channels or groups of memory locations in the time slot interchanges of each of the switching units.

Abstract: An operator complex in which control signals relating to key lamp and alphanumeric display operation and key transition data are carried between the operator console and the PABX system on a multiplex highway or radio transmission link to permit virtually unlimited spacing between the operator console and the associated switching system. The operator console includes a send control system and a receive control system. The send control system detects valid key transitions and formulates a message concerning such detected key transmissions to be sent to the common control in the PABX. The receive control system receives messages from the common control indicating key lamp or alphanumeric display information and decodes these messages to effect selective control over the display.

Abstract: A universal answer arrangement for a PABX in which incoming trunk calls are automatically connected, when all operator positions are busy or unattended and equipped for universal answer service, to a pre-designated line circuit or, at night, to one or more selected operator position circuits. In response to the connection to an associated operator loop circuit, a programmable automatic dialing circuit transmits a programmable predetermined number to a local register which effects a switch-through from the incoming trunk to the designated line circuit. The operator loop circuit monitors the connection and releases from the call when the called line goes off hook. Advantageously, the night answer arrangement includes a PABX group hunting circuit which permits the incoming call to be connected to a second line circuit if the first line circuit is busy or to a tie line trunk to another PABX having a night attendant if all line circuits in the hunting group are busy or disabled.