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: A coin return assembly having enhanced protection against stuffing or ignition, is disclosed. A flapper member is hingedly attached to the upper portion of the coin return chute such that it is biased against displacement against the flow of coins through the coin chute. The hinge allows movement of the coins from the upper portion of the telephone through to the lower bucket area. The flapper seals substantially the entire coin path thereby preventing the insertion of stuffing material into the coin return chute or the passage of flames therethrough.

Abstract: A coin turning entrance chute for coin-operated devices descends from an upper coin-entry slot to a lower exit slot floor and curved sidewalls. The sidewalls have different radii of curvature to define a wider coin path at the curvature to allow the coin to turn. An exit slot is provided. The entrance chute rotates the coin from an initial edge-forward orientation to a face-forward orientation when passing through the exit slot.

Abstract: A coin escrow apparatus for use with pay telephones including side members at least partially defining a coin hopper, a door mounted between the side members for selective movement between an escrow position for supporting coins in the hopper, an acceptance position for releasing coins from the hopper in a first direction, and a return position for releasing coins from the hopper in a second direction. The door has an underside portion and one or more guides associated with the door for guiding the door for pivotal movement between the escrow, acceptance and return positions. A support member is pivotally positioned below the door and has an upper portion. The support member is capable of pivoting about a pivot axis below the door. One or more roller bearings is attached to the upper portion of the support member for engaging the underside of the door. An actuator for pivoting the support member is also provided.

Abstract: An external plug-in module is inserted, or field retrofitted, between a validator and a phone chassis and incorporates circuitry to condition the coin signals generated by the validator. This signal conditioning eliminates the possibility of the chassis being improperly triggered and generating false coin tone signals during periods of interrupted power.

Abstract: A line powered telephoe is disclosed in which the telephone is not powered from a separate external source. The improved pay telephone is powered solely by loop current available on the telephone line from the central office. A rechargeable battery is provided to store excess loop current to enable operation of the pay telephone when not off-hook to the central office. Power consumption by components of the telephone is minimized by shutting down unnecessary functions on a selective basis to ensure that sufficient excess loop current is available to recharge the battery. In addition, an improved switched-capacitor circuit is disclosed to enable storage of electricity at a voltage potential higher than the off-hook line voltage to enable firing of standard high voltage relays for coin collection and coin return.