Abstract: A trigger switch for use in coin operated devices and particularly in telephone paystations consisting of a plurality of parallel channels each including one or more openings through which a light beam passes. Deposit of coins in the appropriate channels blocks one or more light beams passing through the openings causing detection of the light blockage by associated light detectors to operate to give an indication of the quantity and value of coins deposited through the coin channels. A common trigger mechanism is also included and operates in response to deposit of any coins through the trigger switch, to provide operation of an associated coin relay.

Abstract: A security mechanism for use in a telephone paystation upper housing consisting of a specialized latching mechanism which operates when a non-legal key combination is utilized to gain access to a paystation upper housing to inhibit unlocking of the upper housing and to inhibit the removal of key utilized to gain access to the upper housing. The mechanism is available in kit form and may be added to existing paystations without major modification thereto.

Abstract: A low cost metal housing for a telephone paystation incorporating a new upper housing locking method with modified internal housing construction providing more cost effective design. The housing incorporates a system of locking rods, push bars and a rocker bar all operated in response to a key operated cylinder lock wherein the locking rods are adapted to engage or disengage strike plates secured to the internal portion of a rear housing shell included as a portion of the telephone paystation assembly.

Abstract: A telephone paystation theft inhibiting circuit for detecting the grounding of the handset circuit conductors. Protection is provided for the receiver circuit conductor by means of an isolation transformer and solid state switching devices are employed to disconnect the transmitter from its associated circuit conductors when the grounding condition occurs.

Abstract: A coin relay adapted for use with an associated coin hopper mechanism particularly adapted for use in a microcomputer based deregulated paystation. The relay requires only minimum voltages to operate with the associated coin relay operate and release timing controlled by an assoicated microcomputer.

Abstract: A paystation circuit that monitors coin battery signals, hookswitch detect signals and initial rate conditions to provide proper reset signals to the totalizer circuit enabling and/or disabling the dial keypad in order to prevent fraudulent paystation usage.

Abstract: A lock protector assembly consisting of a cast protector element, a back up plate and a clamping plate all adapted to fit in the interior of a telephone paystation to substantially improve the resistance of the upper housing of a telephone paystation, with respect to illegal strong arm attack and entry possibilities.

Abstract: A paystation telephone level control system is disclosed including a telephone receiver driven by a local amplifier and wherein two sets of attenuating resistors, a coarse attenuation set and a fine attenuation set, interface with connectable terminals of a binary control crosspoint switch. The presence or absence of coin tones and dialing tones are detected and the crosspoint switch discretely controlled by their presence to effect discrete levels of attenuation of signals fed to the receiver. In addition, the lever of attenuation during voice communications is a function of a pre-adjusted attenuation and a user selection.

Abstract: A ground detect circuit for use in telephone paystation consisting of a comparator circuit which compares the voltage across a telephone transmitter included in the paystation to prevent users from fraudulent use of the instrument by grounding the handset transmitter to signal the central office that initial rate deposit has been made when in fact it has not. The ground detect circuit upon detecting the presence of ground at the transmitter generates a signal which can be utilized to disable an associated calling device.

Abstract: A coin-operated telephone having a housing enclosing a coin acceptor and an associated coin release mechanism which are positioned above a display area. A coin release actuator mechanism is mounted on top of the coin acceptor and includes a rocker arm which is pivoted downwardly by a coin release bar assembly which is secured to and extends across the interior of the housing and is pivoted downwardly by the coin release lever on the front of the housing. The assembly is located above the display area and provides ample clearance in the housing to later add "smart" features while also providing a large display area.

Abstract: A coin-operated telephone having a housing enclosing a coin acceptor having a coin release mechanism secured thereto. A coin release mechanism actuator assembly is carried in the housing and disposed for actuation of the coin release mechanism by causing upward pivotal movement thereof. The coin release mechanism includes a downwardly depending member which is engaged by a roller of the actuator assembly which is comprised of two pivotal L-shaped members connected by a link or rod for transmitting pivotal movement from a first of the pivoted members to a second of the pivoted members. Stops are provided to limit the movement of the members to prevent binding thereof.