Abstract: A telephone system may include a telephone receiver and a base unit. The telephone receiver may include a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact configured to be electrically grounded. The first electrical contact may be either coupled to the second electrical contact or electrically floating. The base unit may be configured to be coupled to the telephone receiver over a wired connection. The base unit may be configured to electrically ground the second electrical contact by way of the wired connection. The base unit may also be configured to determine an identification of the telephone receiver based on whether the first electrical contact is electrically grounded or electrically floating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are shown which provide processor-based self-service systems for use with respect to controlled environment facilities. Embodiments provide processor-based self-service systems having robust input/output capabilities in order to support a wide range of functionality. Processor-based self-service systems of embodiments are adapted to be deployed within a controlled environment facility, such as within a lobby area, a holding area, and/or a restricted area of a controlled environment facility. According to embodiments, processor-based self-service systems are used with respect to a plurality of functions and a plurality of users, thereby processing a variety of information associated with a controlled environment facility. Embodiments operate to aggregate, compile, correlate, and link information to provide data heretofore unavailable from separate or manual systems used with respect to controlled environment facilities.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a general purpose transceiver having a receiver for receiving an information signal and a transmitter configured to transmit an outgoing signal to a central station. A portion of the information signal can include an instruction code, which may be decoded and acted upon accordingly. Other embodiments and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a general purpose transceiver having a receiver for receiving an information signal and a transmitter configured to transmit an outgoing signal to a central station. A portion of the information signal can include an instruction code, which may be decoded and acted upon accordingly. Other embodiments and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating an incident-specific request for assistance from a citizen call station by touching a sequence of positions on a display screen. The citizen call station comprises a display having a touch-responsive mechanism for entering a call sequence of statements including initiating an alert, reporting a concern, and selecting help needed. A transmission mechanism for transmitting the call sequence to a control location is provided. A confirmation of the request, sent from the control location, may be received at the call station. The call station may also deliver information from a central location. The call station may include cameras, various sensors, two-way communications, and may be used to provide information on demand, outside of the normal security concerns.

Abstract: A system for enabling an inmate to make a telephone call to a called party telephone located outside of a correctional facility includes a facility network having inmate and prepaid platforms associated with a PSTN. A called party provides the prepaid platform with information regarding a prepaid card purchased by the called party and the called party telephone number. The prepaid platform associates the telephone number with a prepaid account of the called party, determines value of the prepaid card based on its information, and then transfers the value to the prepaid account. An inmate uses an inmate telephone within the facility to make a telephone call to the called party telephone via the PSTN. The network completes the call if the call is authorized, the called party has a prepaid account associated with the telephone number, and the value of the prepaid account is sufficient for paying for the call.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information to a predetermined location. The system includes a transmitter disposed at a first location and configured to transmit a signal containing an instruction code that uniquely identifies an instruction to be carried out. The system further includes a transceiver disposed remotely from the transmitter and configured to receive the transmitted signal. The transceiver circuit includes a line interface circuit configured to interface with a telephone line that is part of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and initiate a phone call over the telephone line. Finally, the system includes a central station remotely located from said transceiver but being in communication with said transceiver via the PSTN The central station further include a decoder configured to decode the instruction code.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing pay telephone to additionally provide computer network access includes an upper housing unit that latches to a lower housing of the existing telephone, and a network adapter unit which includes a network computer and a control module that selectively disables a hook switch connection to a payphone electronics module of the existing payphone. A coin scanner and an escrow unit of the existing payphone are connected through the control module to the payphone electronics unit. The network computer, in combination with the control module, provides a stand by mode, a pay phone mode, a data mode utilizing an optional data port socket for connection of an external data device, and a network mode. The kit provides for remote management of network functions as well as payphone functions over a single telephone line. Also disclosed is a complete network access pay telephone.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an improved connection between a TTY keypad and an emergency call box. This is accomplished by lengthening and re-routing the multi-conductor ribbon cable that connects the TTY to the call box. Thus relieving the stress on the cable. This prevents the cable from cracking from fatigue and rendering the TTY box useless.

Abstract: An intelligent vending system such as a pay telephone provides local/remote diagnostics, fraud prevention, capability of facilitating local coin overtime operation, complete cash box accounting, and detailed reporting. Information regarding each transaction is recorded and is useful in verification, by way of example. The system includes a delta-sigma driver for reducing circuit complexity and improving circuit reliability, and a one-wire, high speed communication controller which facilitates high speed downloading and uploading of data, records, and operating program code. Battery management techniques, memory management, and coin detection circuits add to the system's capabilities and reliability. Firmware security techniques and operating system formats also promote product firmware security and configuration control.

Abstract: A public telephone with a cash payment function is connected to a server of a banking agency through a telephone network and verifies whether a card, such as a credit card, inserted by a user is available for the requested cash service and, as the result of the verification, provides an amount of money required by the user from a currency cassette, thereby facilitating the cash withdrawal for the user. Therefore, an operator can use an inexpensive telephone network, instead of an exclusive line, thereby reducing operational cost.

Abstract: A payphone coin release device includes a base plate fixed inside the payphone casing and having a pivotal pin extending therefrom to rotatably support thereon a driven link having two opposite arms of which one is rotatably pivoted at one end of an intermediate link and the other one rotatably supports thereon a coin release roller to cooperate with a conventional coin receiving device. The base plate also has a hole through which a shaft rotatably extends to drivingly engage a driving link. The driving link has a pin formed thereon to drivingly engage an intermediate link. The intermediate link is pivoted at two opposite ends to both the driven link and the driving link. The shaft of the driving link extends outside the payphone casing and is connected to a user-actuateable lever so that by actuating the lever, the driving link is rotated to drive, through the connection of the intermediate link, the driven link to rotate about the pivot.

Abstract: A multimedia access terminal for providing telecommunication and remote access services to a customer, in which the multimedia access terminal comprises a microcontroller for executing preprogrammed instructions and generating directives, a payment acceptor electrically connected and responsive to the microcontroller for accepting payment from the customer to pay for access to the services, a network interface device electrically connected and responsive to the microcontroller for connecting with a central service provider server via a global communications network, and a multimedia user interface electrically connected and responsive to the microcontroller for enabling exchange of information with the customer during access to the services upon acceptance of the payment.

Abstract: An intelligent vending system such as a pay telephone provides local/remote diagnostics, fraud prevention, capability of facilitating local coin overtime operation, complete cash box accounting, and detailed reporting. Information regarding each transaction is recorded and is useful in verification, by way of example. The system includes a delta-sigma driver for reducing circuit complexity and improving circuit reliability, and a one-wire, high speed communication controller which facilitates high speed downloading and uploading of data, records, and operating program code. Battery management techniques, memory management, and coin detection circuits add to the system's capabilities and reliability. Firmware security techniques and operating system formats also promote product firmware security and configuration control.

Abstract: A public telephone with a cash payment function is connected to a server of a banking agency through a telephone network and verifies whether a card, such as credit card, inserted by a user is available for the requested cash service and, as the result of the verification, provides an amount of money required by the user from a currency cassette, thereby facilitating the cash withdrawal for the user. Therefore, an operator can use an inexpensive telephone network, instead of an exclusive line, thereby reducing operational cost.

Abstract: A payphone or coin-operated telephone that functions as an information transmittal device that dispenses user-selected information audibly to the user via the speaker in the payphone handset. A variety of information is stored in an information storage unit provided within the payphone unit. The information includes frequently-requested information on topics such as, for example, news, weather, sports, financial market reports, local travel information, local telephone yellow pages, etc. The user of the payphone may incur a nominal charge to retrieve the information from the payphone. A processing unit within the payphone or the information storage unit may update the content of the information with the help of an external information server or the Internet. The information server may be located within a telephone company central office and the central office switch may connect the information server to the processing unit in the payphone for desired data transfer.

Abstract: This invention is a guard for preventing the vandalism of the keypad of a telephone. If the telephone is a pay telephone, the invention further prevents, thus preventing entry into the telephone money box from the upper housing area. The telephone guard, composed of an upper housing guard and a keypad guard, is secured by high strength visible fasteners to the upper housing of a pay telephone. The upper housing guard and keypad guard are mated tightly to prevent vandals from prying off the keypad guard. The thickness of the keypad guard is greater than the throw length of the push buttons of the keypad. Thus, the force of a blow to the keypad will be absorbed by the front of the guard rather than the push buttons.

Abstract: A method for limiting overpayment at a coin-operated telephone is disclosed. According to the method, a customer may initiate a call by first depositing a plurality of coins and then dialing the desired number. Once the number is dialed, the phone obtains the rate and compares the rate to the value of the coins deposited. If fewer coins could not have been used, the coin accepting mechanism is inhibited and the call continues normally. If fewer than all deposited coins are required to make the call, then all the deposited coins are returned to the customer and a new deposit requested. The phone then accepts coin deposits until the call rate has been met. Once the call rate has been met, further deposits are rejected and the call continues normally. Alternatively, the customer may dial the number first. The phone then obtains the rate and requests a deposit. The customer then deposits coins until the call rate is met. Once the phone recognizes that the call rate is met, further coin deposits are refused.

Abstract: An intelligent pay telephone provides local/remote diagnostics, fraudulent call prevention, capability of facilitating local coin overtime operation, complete cash box accounting, and call detail reporting. Information regarding each call placed from the telephone is recorded and is useful in verifying operator service provider communications, long distance bills, local measured usage charges, and call volume discounts, by way of example. The intelligent pay telephone includes a delta-sigma voice driver for reducing circuit complexity and improving circuit reliability, and a one-wire, high speed communication controller facilitates high speed downloading and uploading of pay telephone data, records, and operating program code. The pay telephone also includes a low impedance, low power hookswitch for resisting damage from weather, as well as a pin fraud prevention circuit for deterring fraud.

Abstract: Telecommunications networks for originating and terminating calls are described to include a wireless enhanced service platform coupled to a home location register database and a prepaid platform which may also include a mobile switching center for accepting calls from a wireless handset, an interexchange network that carries calls to the prepaid platform, and a local network for terminating calls. Also described is a method for setting up a call in a telecommunications network by a wireless enhanced service platform or mobile switching center encapsulating one or more prepaid call parameters within a super generic digit field of an initial address message. The method also includes sending the initial address message with the prepaid call parameters encapsulated within the super generic digit field from the wireless enhanced service platform or mobile switching center to a prepaid platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable fixture which can be employed in simulating and testing the various functions of a conventional payphone. In general terms, the fixture includes an umbilical cord which can be removably connected to a payphone's motherboard. The fixture further includes a receptor for accepting a phone line, as well as electrical connectors for removably accepting the existing handset. When connected, the keypad of the fixture serves to override the payphone's keypad. Thus, when connected, the fixture mimics many of the operational functions of the payphone. Also disclosed is a diagnostic circuit within the fixture. The circuit is specifically for use in testing the operational status of the payphone's escrow relay device. The circuit is plugged into the payphone's existing escrow relay by way of an electrical connector associated with the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information to a predetermined location. The system includes a transmitter disposed at a first location and configured to transmit a signal containing an instruction code that uniquely identifies an instruction to be carried out. The system further includes a transceiver disposed remotely from the transmitter and configured to receive the transmitted signal. The transceiver circuit includes a line interface circuit configured to interface with a telephone line that is part of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and initiate a phone call over the telephone line. Finally, the system includes a central station remotely located from said transceiver but being in communication with said transceiver via the PSTN The central station further include a decoder configured to decode the instruction code.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information to a predetermined location. The system includes a transmitter disposed at a first location and configured to transmit a signal containing an instruction code that uniquely identifies an instruction to be carried out. The system further includes a transceiver disposed remotely from the transmitter and configured to receive the transmitted signal. The transceiver circuit includes a line interface circuit configured to interface with a telephone line that is part of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and initiate a phone call over the telephone line. Finally, the system includes a central station remotely located from said transceiver but being in communication with said transceiver via the PSTN. The central station further include a decoder configured to decode the instruction code.

Abstract: A coin escrow apparatus for use with a pay telephone includes a housing defining a coin hopper, a coin acceptance chute, and a coin return chute. The apparatus also includes a door mounted within the housing for selective movement between an escrow position for supporting coins in the hopper, an acceptance position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin acceptance chute, and a return position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin return chute. The apparatus also includes structures for selectively moving the door between its escrow, acceptance, and return positions. An integrated circuit is provided for unconditionally simulating a relay switch contact normally indicative of successful firing of the escrow coin apparatus to allow the coin escrow apparatus to be used with so-called "smart" telephones without requiring electromechanical components to sense and indicate successful firing of the coin escrow apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vending public communications services. The apparatus includes a telephone, a multimedia terminal, and a payment receiver for receiving an authorization to accept charges for enabling use of at least one of the telephone and the multimedia terminal.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: A keyboard and attached interface for a conventional call box is disclosed. The interface constitutes an interrupt between the cellular telephone handset and cellular transceiver which is activated either by a conventional keypad "On" switch or in conjunction with the telephone hook switch. The TDD keyboard is contained within the call box behind its own discrete door where interference with conventional voice communication cannot occur. Upon opening of the keyboard door, the keyboard activates an interactive display which scrolls status messages to the user informing him of call status upon activation of the keyboard. Switching from voice to keyboard communication is enabled until the answering dispatch center interrogates the call box for identity and necessarily location. Assuming that keyboard communication is selected, necessary communication delay is accepted until communication with a TDD capable dispatcher is established.

Abstract: A lower casing structure of a payphone is disclosed, including an outer casing member fit over the lower portion of the payphone and having threaded rods fixed thereon, a reinforcement plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods, a coin container shield having a plate portion which has holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods and a flange having securing slots formed thereon and a support plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods so as to sandwich the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate between the support plate and the outer casing member. Nuts engage the threaded rods for securing the support plate, as well as the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate, to the outer casing member. The support plate has a locking mechanism arranged thereon, comprising a rotatable member operable by a key to be rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A pay phone includes a buffer block provided to buffer the falling of inserted coins, enabling inserted coins to be guided through a coin track and detected by sensor means, a motor controlled to turn a coin receiving control board through a set of gears, enabling inserted coins to be positively received by a coin receiving unit, and a link turned with a coin return unit to close the coin receiving unit when the handset is hung up.

Abstract: An escrow unit is an electromechanical device used to collect or return coins deposited in a pay telephone. An escrow management system 10 for use in controlling a pay telephone escrow unit 26 is provided which consists of an energy storage unit 20 which stores a voltage for use in activating escrow unit 26 upon control unit 40 closing discharge switch 30. The system also contains a detector 42 to determine the voltage requirement of escrow unit 26 by sensing characteristics of escrow unit 26 related to the impedance of the escrow unit. The system also contains a control unit 40 which controls energy storage unit 20 and detector 42 such that escrow management system 10 can both dynamically determine the voltage required to activate escrow unit 26 and supply the correct voltage for activation of escrow unit 26.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the management of a remotely-deployed unit such as, for example, a telephone station. A local station revenue signal generated at the remote station corresponds to an amount of revenue generated at the remote unit. The generated revenue signal is processed with a generated cost signal, which corresponds to an amount of cost incurred in supporting the station, whereby the profitability of the station can be determined in an automated and/or real time or near real-time manner, and overall management of the unit becomes more efficient and effective. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for managing a remotely-deployed station wherein at least one local end usage signal is generated, which corresponds to a total amount of usage, such as direct-dial or commission-related telephone line usage for example, measured locally during a given time period.

Abstract: A pay phone capable of establishing data communications between a notebook computer and a remote communication device over a telephone line as well as voice communications between a telephone handset and a remote communication device over the same telephone line.

Abstract: A cellular paystation system has a transceiver, paystation and an interface. The cellular paystation system operates to prevent return dial tone fraud by providing from the interface a first dial tone to a calling party using the paystation when an off-hook condition is first detected at the paystation by the interface, and then preventing another dial tone from being provided to the calling party until an on-hook condition of the calling party is detected by the interface at the paystation.

Abstract: Coin charging system for mobile telephony in order to facilitate the making of telephone calls by means of a mobile telephone with a coin charging system, mainly in public transport means such as buses, airplanes, trains, ships etc., the system being provided with normal operation modes as rating device, changing of rate device and verification system to visualize the amounts and time units available. The system is comprised of a control subsystem (1), a coin selecting and charging subsystem (2), a display subsystem (3) and a supply subsystem (4).

Abstract: A telephone communication system having a plurality of pay telephones operatively connected to a local telephone carrier, which in turn, is connected to a long distance carrier. The pay telephones are located in booths that contain advertising materials of business locations. The advertising materials have predetermined telephone numbers that are only associated with the selected advertised business location. The advertised telephone numbers are free from the pay telephone, which can be a conventional pay telephone or a smart pay telephone. All of the telephone calls to the selected business locations are monitored which information is used to render a statement and a monetary bill for the advertising and telephone calls to the business location.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods immediately alert a telephone company or other owner/host or operator of a payphone that a vandalizing stuffing has occurred, thereby enabling it or him or her promptly to dispatch a maintenance person to the particular payphone or station to fix it. Stuffing sensing switches are advantageously mounted in a coin return mechanism, and in electromechanical payphones electrically connected to the telephone company central office over one of the existing RING and TIP wires connecting the stuffed or compromised payphone with the central office. Conventional testing techniques periodically employed in the office by the telephone company over the existing wit. installation will then sense whether a payphone has been compromised or stuffed. In electronic payphones, a payphone computer monitors the sensing switches and calls the owner/host or operator to report a problem or gives a local alarm.

Abstract: A handicap telephone including a phone housing having a pair of speakers situated distant therefrom for emitting audio signals; and a phone panel positioned on the phone housing including a numeric keypad for allowing a user to dial a specific phone number, a speaker for allowing the input of audio signals, and an on/off button situated on the bottom face, whereby upon the depression of the on/off button, a user may dial a telephone number on the keypad and further communicate with a second party without the use of hands.

Abstract: A keyboard and attached interface for a conventional call box is disclosed. The interface constitutes an interrupt between the cellular telephone handset and cellular transceiver which is activated either by a conventional keypad "On" switch or in conjunction with the telephone hook switch. The TDD keyboard is contained within the call box behind its own discrete door where interference with conventional voice communication cannot occur. Upon opening of the keyboard door, the keyboard activates an interactive display which scrolls status messages to the user informing him of call status upon activation of the keyboard. Switching from voice to keyboard communication is enabled until the answering dispatch center interrogates the call box for identity and necessarily location. Assuming that keyboard communication is selected, necessary communication delay is accepted until communication with a TDD capable dispatcher is established.

Abstract: A mechanism prevents explosion damage to coin pay telephones by providing an almost horizontal offset in the coin path so that a wad of paper cannot be moved by the weight of subsequently inserted coins. For existing phones, a retrofit provides a horizontal offset by locating a horizontal slot to one side of the existing coin chute entrance and having in back of it a relatively horizontal slippery surface for sliding the coin sideways and then downwards into a tunnel in alignment with the existing coin chute. The tunnel has a sloping bottom surface so that the coin rolls therein under the force of gravity into the existing coin chute. In another embodiment, the horizontal slot is further arranged perpendicular to the existing slot and the relatively horizontal slippery surface slides the coin back towards the horizontal slot and then downwards into the tunnel with a bottom sloping surface operative to roll the coin into the existing coin chute.

Abstract: A telephone is secured against vandalism by a double layer face plate or assemblage of tough materials. The assemblage consists of an outer plate covering most of the front of a telephone upper housing or casing, and a second layer covering the housing casing in areas not covered by the outer layer. Two such areas are those which involve openings in the outer or first layer for mounting the standard information pads above and below the dial push buttons. The second layer is open in the area of the push buttons, but the outer layer is provided with a grid thereat for preventing the housing or casing pushbutton grid from being pried out. The outer plate may be provided with wings to also secure the sides and top of the housing or casing against drilling and the insertion of a wire to pin the coin switch vane or to ground the coin switch relay to hold up deposited coins. The outer plate may also be provided with depending portions to cover the telephone coin box and coin return bucket.

Abstract: An improved outer face plate for the principal section of a coin operated telephone unit. The face plate includes at least one external frame member affixed to the face plate proximate one side of the dialing key pad area of the plate. The frame member defines through its periphery a framed panel area and the frame member has a raised rim portion for the positioning and support of an interchangeable advertising panel card. Preferably the face plate of the telephone unit includes two external frame members of rectangular shape with each of the frame members located on one side of the dialing key pad area of the plate.

Abstract: A coin transmission control mechanism for a pay phone, including a plurality of projecting rods and slots below the projecting rods, a control plate connected to the projecting rods and having an actuating strip extended out of the telephone body of the pay phone through a hole for guiding a coin during a call, a fixed element, a movable element positioned by a top spring on the fixed element and controlled by an induction coil, a return plate stopped at a sloping wall on the control plate, a control device having a stop bar disposed within the control plate to stop a coin from passing to the coin-box, the movable element being pulled downwards, when the induction coil is turned on, to move the stop bar away for letting a coin pass to the coin-box of the pay phone, the stop bar being forced back to its former position by the control plate through the return plate to stop a coin from passing to the coin-box.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing enhanced call service and call routing functions from a centralized location on a telephone network line through gateway connections to service providers. A multiple function interface located between a paystation and an originating central office includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring call signals from the paystation, circuits for obtaining coin or card billing information from the paystation and a control circuit for verifying the payment information and selectively directing the call to a service provider to bypass the originating central office. The interface uses an applications platform to communicate with the network and data bases. The platform assists in operations, maintains files and records, and functions as a communications protocol converter for the interface. The platform enables calling customer service preferences to be acertained automatically during call set-up upon receipt of billing information.

Abstract: A public telephone system includes a plurality of public telephone sets and a center apparatus.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for demonstrating the operation of one or more telephones by simulating an active telephone line in which a ring tone generator (74), busy tone generator (72), dial tone generator (70), confirmation tone generator (146) and power ringer (52) are operationally controlled by a microprocessor (62) responsive to the on-hook and off-hook status of a telephone connected to the apparatus as well as control signals established by keypad entry or programmed operation. A decoder (64) responsive to DTMF or pulse dial signals provides for universal operation without regard to the type of telephones connected to the apparatus. Communications over the telephones can be monitored with an external speaker (38) or headphones, or recorded for later review. The apparatus also provides for simulated operation of coin-operated and calling card operated telephones.

Abstract: Apparatus for auditing the usage and indicating the status of a remote coin telephone system to a central computer via a telephone line. The apparatus comprises a power conversion and supply section connected to the telephone line and which derives current from it. The power conversion and supply section has a capacitor for periodically storing and providing electric charge. A microcontroller is connected to the power conversion and supply section. The apparatus also comprises a data signal reception and transmission section, which is connected to the microcontroller and to the telephone line, and a circuit section which detects telephone line voltage, current and frequency signals connected to the telephone line, which are a function of the operation of the audited coin telephone system.

Abstract: Easily accessed and widely available language interpretation services are provided in a public switched telephone network by a common platform adjunct which automatically connects an interpretation services subscriber with a selected language interpreter associated with a language interpretation platform in the network. A subscriber dials, for example, an international telephone number which includes a code indicating that the call is an international call, a country code, a city code, and a local destination number. The ANI of the subscriber is detected and the call is routed to the adjunct which further verifies and validates the subscriber. The adjunct places a call through the public switched telephone network to the language interpretation platform. The call is answered either by an automatically preselected interpreter or by a human operator who causes the call to be manually transferred to a desired interpreter.

Abstract: A tone burst generator where a continuous tone voltage is applied across two series-connected semiconductor switches each having an ON state and an OFF state. A first control circuit controls the state of the first switch and the variable impedance in an intermediate region between its ON and OFF states to cause gradual, well-defined OFF/ON and ON/OFF transitions of the first switch. As a result of these first switch transitions, a voltage tone burst is generated that has precisely defined edges to eliminate clicking noise. The continuous tone voltage is of only one polarity--it has a non-zero DC component and an AC component having a peak-to-peak variation less the twice the magnitude of the non-zero DC component. A second control circuit controls the state of the second switch and the variable impedance in an intermediate region between its ON and OFF states to cause well defined ON/OFF and OFF/ON transitions of the second switch.