Abstract: A system and method of transmitting customized voice messages from a first voice messaging device to a second voice messaging device over a messaging network. A customized voice message is initially transmitted from a first voice messaging device to a second voice messaging device over the messaging network, including a first base station. The first base station assigns a unique code for that customized voice message, and then transmits that customized voice message and unique code over the messaging network to the second voice messaging device, the latter of which stores the customized voice message and the unique code associated with it. The first base station also stores the unique code in memory.

Abstract: A rotary switch with direction-of-rotation output includes a thumbwheel (12), a first reduced-diameter ratchet wheel (14), a second reduced-diameter ratchet wheel (16), and a mounting shaft (18) upon which the thumbwheel (12), ratchet wheel (14), and ratchet wheel (16) are mounted in side-by-side frictionally engaged relationship. The ratchet wheel (14) and the ratchet wheel (16) cooperate with respective pawls (24)(30) so that the ratchet wheel (14) is constrained for rotation in one direction only about the shaft (18), and the ratchet wheel (16) is constrained for rotation in the other direction only about the shaft (18). The thumbwheel (12) is in frictional engagement with the ratchet wheel (14) and the ratchet wheel (16) so that rotation of the thumbwheel (12) will cause one of the two ratchet wheels to rotate.

Abstract: A voice scratchpad implemented in a wireless telephone allows the user to record important information gathered during a phone conversation. The wireless telephone includes signal processing means and memory means for recording at least one message or memo which is spoken over the telephone. The telephone also includes controls for initiating the recording of such a memo and for retrieving and replaying the memo. Indexing may be included which allows the system to record and replay a plurality of memos. The user of the phone can thus record important information in a memo on the voice scratchpad without the need for paper or the concentration and effort required for writing.

Abstract: A telephone handset and remote controller apparatus for transmitting information such as phone numbers and addresses for storing in a messaging device. The telephone handset and remote controller apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of actuators disposed on the housing for allowing information to be input into memory in the telephone handset and remote controller apparatus and to allow control of the operation of the telephone handset and remote controller apparatus.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus having a plurality of dedicated keys, a plurality of changeable keys each having at least one respective dedicated function associated therewith, and a display for displaying a plurality of lines of data. The telephone apparatus is adapted to perform a plurality of main functions including so-called menu, message, pad and book functions. Each of such main functions may be directly accessed by depressing only one of the keys. Further, the telephone apparatus enables messages, including voicemail and text data messages, to be received and stored therein. Messages or responses to received messages may be produced and transmitted from the telephone apparatus.