Abstract: Apparatus for routing incoming telephone calls to a telephone or an automatic answering device, wherein caller identification numbers are received, compared to stored caller identification numbers, and arranged into priority groups for handling such calls. The apparatus has at least three operating modes designed to accommodate the user at home, the user while away from home, and another when the user wants not to be disturbed. The system is programmable between and among the operating modes, group priorities, and offers a password to restrict programming changes. The inventive apparatus and method provides for connecting incoming calls to a programmed sequence of different outputs, and to switch or "bounce" the incoming call among these outputs according to the programming. A microprocessor (6), memory (10), operating mode displays (9), and an interactive two row LCD display (8) are provided.

Abstract: An automatic system for routing and rerouting of messages between machines via the telephone, including automatically responding where a voice intercept message, provided by the telephone company, is encountered. Information such as faxes are sent to a data base of telephone numbers, when an voice intercept message is encountered the system will record and decipher the message, and depending on the message, either complete the call or report the status such that the database of telephone numbers is updated and/or corrected.