Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an article or system, particularly an LP or propane tank, includes a transmission unit, a base unit and a host unit. The transmission unit is disposed on or near the article or system and detects at least one parameter related to the article or system and send information related to the detected parameter. The base unit is disposed at a predetermined location remote from the article or system. The base unit receives information related to the detected parameter from the transmission unit. The host unit is disposed at a location remote from the base unit and the transmission unit. The host unit receives information related to the detected parameter from the base unit for management purposes. A method of monitoring an article or system such as a fuel tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable continuity test system, comprising a terminator unit electrically connected to a first side of a cable to be tested, and a test set unit electrically connected to a first side of the cable. The test set unit includes a display and further includes a microprocessor adapted for performing standard continuity tests. The test unit stores records for each site tested with a time and date stamp. The terminator unit is a programmable unit, and preferably is capable of being programmed with a unique terminator ID between the numbers of 00 and 99.

Abstract: A data protector for telephony test equipment, comprising a relay for selectively connecting the telephony test equipment to a telecommunication line, and electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry includes a detector portion adapted for detecting signals within a continuous band of frequencies present on the telecommunication line, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller has a frequency counter function for determining whether data is present on the telecommunication line, a relay connect control function for selectively controlling the relay to connect the telephony test equipment to the telecommunication line, and an alert operator function for producing a signal if the detected frequency is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A telephone-line powered coin telephone chassis which operates on as little as 23 milliamperes of off-hook loop current and which shuts down on-hook. Capacitors power a microprocessor for a short time during on-hook coin control immediately after a phone call. The chassis is designed to operate with the WESROC.RTM. coin telephone monitoring system and has built-in circuitry which makes a direct communications link between a remote unit of the WESROC system and the chassis. Connectors are built into the chassis for electrically connecting the chassis to the WESROC remote unit and to coin telephone components external to the chassis. Built into the chassis is circuitry for preventing tone fraud and pin fraud, detecting the presence of the handset, a push-button line diagnostic test, an interface for a volume switch and an interface for an electronic coin chute.

Abstract: An electronically controlled locking system for use with coin telephones. The system is preferably utilized in conjunction with and controlled by the Wesroc.RTM. Coin Phone Monitoring System. Existing coin phone lock mechanisms consist of a primary lock and a secondary lock. The primary lock actually physically secures the coin vault door in position. The secondary lock locks the primary lock in a locked position. Both locks are mechanical systems which are actuated by mechanical key devices of a common type and structure. This mechanical system is prone to fraud and theft. The present invention provides an electronically controlled latching mechanism for controlling the operation of the existing locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for communicating data from one or more remote computerized coin telephone auditing devices to a central computer via a telephone line, which comprises the steps of receiving input data signals at a remote computerized auditing device, decoding the input data signals into digital data, and processing and storing the data signals. The digital data are then retrieved. The processing, storing and retrieving steps are accomplished by reading and writing the digital data from volatile memory to a non-volatile memory, and from non-volatile memory to volatile memory. The digital data is coded into corresponding output data signals, and are transmitted to the central computer via the telephone line. The receiving and transmitting steps are accomplished by the exchange of a predetermined sequence of data signals, whereby the remote computerized device and the central computer correctly identify each data signal.

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: A telecommunications adapter for use with a 110-type patch cord, comprising: a printed circuit board; at least two contact blades for making electrical contact with the 110-type patch cord, the blades having a predetermined configuration and being mounted to the primed circuit board; an electrical connection cable connected to the printed circuit board; and a housing structure having an interior cavity enclosing a predetermined portion of the printed circuit board, the housing structure having a connection end for contact with the 110-type patch cord, the connection end having a stabilizing end for the contact blades and a pair of clamps to engage the 110-type patch cord.

Abstract: A telecommunications adapter for connecting a modular connector to the mating end of a telecommunications interface adapter comprises a modular connection structure; a printed circuit board having exposed electrical contacts disposed within the plane of the printed circuit board which are electrically connected to the modular connection structure; and a housing structure having a central cavity enclosing a predetermined portion of the printed circuit board, the housing structure further having a plug end for mating contact with the telecommunications interface terminal and which has an aperture through which the electrical contacts of the printed circuit board outwardly extend for electrical connection with the telecommunications interface terminal.

Abstract: A switch comprising a printed circuit board, including at least two conductive paths arranged in a predetermined pattern on a first surface of the printed circuit board; a depressible elastomeric actuation structure connected to the printed circuit board and having a conductive contact constructed and arranged so that it establishes contact with and between each conductive path of the printed circuit board upon depression of the actuation structure; a pair of conductors connecting the conductive paths to an external electronic apparatus; and a mounting assembly to mount the printed circuit board to an external surface.

Abstract: A dual unit diagnostic system for testing the physical status of a multi-pair cable. Each unit comprises connectors which are connectable to the cable wire pairs, and switches that are connected to the connectors, and are also activatable to provide distinguishable conductive pathways between each wire pair. A signal transmission section is connected to the switches, and provides a signal to a selected wires. A signal reception section is also connected to the switches for receiving a signal from distinguishable wires. A microprocessor is connected to the transmission section and the detection section, and which controls the transmission and reception of signals. A display is connected to the microprocessor and switches, and provides information to distinguish various physical wire status conditions based on the reception of the signal at predetermined wires.

Abstract: A unitary, compact telecommunications interface adapter system. The adapter system comprises a bifurcated housing structure enclosing a modular connector and associated elements. The housing structure has a plug end constructed and arranged for connection to a BIX-type telecommunications interface. The adapter further has an internal printed circuit board interface between the modular connector and a plurality of contact blades which are connected to and which extend horizontally beyond the perimeter of the printed circuit board through channels to expose the blades for contact outside the housing structure at the plug end. The telecommunications interface adapter system additionally comprises a support structure which has top and bottom spacially parallel extension members integrally formed with the housing structure at the plug end and which are disposed respectively above and below the contact blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary, compact telecommunication interface adapter system. The adapter system comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, a modular connector, a housing structure connected to the modular connector and an electrical interface between the modular connector and the electrical contacts. The housing structure has at least one plug end enclosing the contacts which is connectable to a 66 block telecommunications interface. The modular connector and the electrical interface are disposed within the housing structure so that the modular connector is exposed for mating via an aperture in the housing structure. The electrical interface comprises a printed circuit board having the electrical contacts extended horizontally beyond the perimeter of the printed circuit board through channels in the plug end to expose the electrical contacts for efficient and reliable mating within the channels.