Abstract: A facsimile machine has a remote control operation mode in which functions in the facsimile machine are remotely activated based on an ID code supplied from a remote telephone terminal. The facsimile machine includes a memory which stores the ID code, and controller a having a first function for determining whether or not an erroneous ID code which differs from the ID code stored in the memory is supplied from the remote telephone terminal, a second function for counting a number of times that the erroneous ID code is supplied from the remote telephone terminal based on a first determination result obtained by the first function, and a third function for determining whether or not the remote control operation mode can be activated based on the number of times counted by the second function. The remote control operation mode is prohibited from being used in the facsimile machine when the third function has determined that the remote control operation mode cannot be activated.

Abstract: A branched telephone system having a plurality of telephones which are connected to a single subscriber line or to single radio apparatus functions to establish a priority set condition in which the communicating function of particular one of the telephones is validated to prevent the other telephones from being used, and further includes the function of automatically cancelling such a priority set condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a volume control for an audio apparatus and more particularly to a fader for fading in or out a level of an audio signal. The volume control of the invention comprises a charge and discharge circuit having a capacitor charged and discharged by a constant current in response to a fade-in or fade out operation, and a function generator to generate a signal having a logarithmic waveform periodically repeated. A control signal generator compares the voltage across the capacitor of the charge and discharge circuit with the logarithmic waveform signal from the function generator to generate a control signal logarithmically varying in accordance with variation in the voltage across the capacitor of the charge and discharge circuit. An impedance controller logarithmically changes an impedance of an audio signal line in accordance with the control signal to logarithmically change the level of the audio signal in substance.

Abstract: A controllable, alternative annunciator for connection to a subscriber's telephone line 14 (the regular telephone ringer being turned off or disconnected) for providing subscriber-controllable annunciation. When not set for a specific function, the annunciator provides a group of chimes (36) in response to each incoming ring signal. The annunciator can be set to be silent under certain electronically, predetermined conditions. Specifically it provides the following controlled functions: (a) non-chiming for selected intervals (24), (b) chiming only after the first three ring signals (26L), (so that a secretary can answer a normally ringing extension before an executive hears any chime), (c) non-chiming after the first ring signal (26R) (to prevent repetitive ringing signals which might disturb a sleeper), (d) chiming only after a caller rings according to a predetermined code (28) (to prevent chiming from unwanted callers).

Abstract: The present invention provides means for sequencing various supply voltages to electronic circuits and devices to thereby protect those circuits and devices from exposure to deleterious voltages. A first transistor switch connects a first voltage source to a first output terminal. A second transistor switch is connected to the control electrode of the first transistor switch. The second transistor switch, when conducting, causes the first transistor switch to conduct. The second transistor switch is turned on by a second voltage source which is connected through a delay circuit to the control electrode of the second transistor switch. The second voltage source also is connected through a diode and capacitor circuit to a second output terminal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fail-safe timing circuit having a regulator which produces a regulated d.c. voltage when a switch is closed. A signal generator powered by the regulated d.c. voltage for producing square-wave signals. A two-stage amplifier for amplifying the square-wave signals which are fed to a dual rectifier network which produces a positive d.c. voltage and a regulated negative fail-safe d.c. voltage. A pulse generator powered by the positive d.c. voltage for producing signal pulses having an unequal duty cycle. A charging circuit connected to the regulated negative d.c. voltage, and a trigger circuit for periodically sampling the potential charge on the charging circuit. An amplifier for amplifying periodic pulses which are produced during the sampling of the potential charge. A level detector for producing a.c. oscillations when the level of the periodic pulses exceeds a predetermined value, an amplifier for amplifying the a.c. oscillations, and a rectifier for rectifying the amplified a.c.