Abstract: In a network of a telecommunications service provider, a system processes telephone calls according to foregoing inbound and outbound calls to arbitrary delegates. The system includes a database having a computer-readable file of user journals corresponding to telephone numbers of service subscribers. Each journal has lists of inbound and outbound telephone numbers associated with calls made to/from a particular telephone of the service subscriber. In addition, the user journal includes a list specifying telephone numbers of third-party subscribers who are authorized to perform various call processing operations on the inbound and outbound lists of the subscriber. The call processing operations representatively include browsing through the inbound and outbound lists of the subscriber and auto-dialing any number on the lists. Also provided is a method for processing telephone calls in accordance with the above system.

Abstract: A system for testing telecommunications equipment located at two sites includes a set of test instruments located at each site, a local test controller located at each site for controlling the test instrument at that site, and a master test controller connected to the local test controller by data links. Each test controller is provided with a clock and the clocks are synchronized by a common timing signal. The master test controller is arranged to transmit test instructions to, and receive test results from, the local test controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying that a CAS (Customer Premises Equipment Alerting Signal) detect signal, which indicates the presence of a CAS on a transmission channel, is a valid detect signal, includes structure and process steps for suppressing a signal originating at a local telephone in response to the CAS detect signal. A determination is made whether the CAS detect signal remains in a predetermined condition at a predetermined time after the local telephone signal is suppressed. A validity signal is output when the CAS detect signal remains in the predetermined condition at the predetermined time. False detections are thereby minimized by ignoring detections caused by a signal originating at the local telephone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing lines. The apparatus is particularly useful for testing lines in a switched network, such as might be used to electronically route telephone and computer data lines to various offices in an office building. The apparatus includes an AC test source and a DC measurement device located at a near end switch. A DC transform circuit is located at a far end switch. According to the test method, an AC test signal is injected onto a line under test at the near end. At the far end, the received signal is converted to DC, which is sent to the near end. Line attenuation, and hence fault conditions, are detected by comparing the DC signal to the transmitted AC signal. Techniques to increase the signal to noise ratio of the DC signal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A keep call back device for connecting calls between subscribers includes a first call establishing portion for establishing a first call by connecting a call received from a calling terminal to a called terminal when it recognizes the call from the calling terminal which is able to respond to a call from one terminal without ending communication with another terminal during communication with another terminal, a second call establishing portion for establishing a second call by placing a call to the calling terminal after the first call has been established, and a call releasing portion for releasing the first call by disconnecting the same when the second call is established.

Abstract: A pre-paid card system enables customers to make purchases using an authorized card. The system includes four main functional components: a plurality of cards, a host computer, a plurality of on-site activation terminals and a main processor. Each of the cards having a security number associated therewith. The card is typically formed of cardboard, paper or plastic and may include the security number in cleartext under a suitable blackout. The main management and processing of the system is effected by the host computer. The host includes a database for storing security numbers associated with authorized cards. The data terminals are remote from the host computer and connectible thereto for transmitting data between the terminals and the host computer. The processor is controlled by the host computer for enabling customer purchases using the authorized cards.