Abstract: A telephone console (10) for use in a telephonic call distribution system (12) for selectively interconnecting a plurality of telephonic units (16) of an external telephonic network (18) with a plurality of consoles (10) of the system, a prerecorded voice message system having a portable voice message storage unit (40) with a recorded voice message, a connector module (26) for releasable connection with the portable voice message unit (40) and a microprocessor (20) programmed to control the playing back of a recorded message to a console (10).

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (12) of a telephonic console (14) having multiple modes of operation programmable at a user's site is shipped partly disassembled from a plurality of top mountable key caps with different designations for the same key location corresponding to different modes for permanent top mounting into vacant key holes (18, 20, 22, 24) at the customer site and is preassembled with other key cap assemblies that are installed at a manufacturing site from the underside (12') of the keyboard. The top mountable key cap assemblies (40) have a plurality of resilient arms (56, 58, 62, 64) with flanges (68) on the ends to block removal and wedge-shaped camming surfaces (70, 72) for camming engagement with the sides (50) of key holes to resiliently press the flanges (68) inwardly to enable insertion into the key hole (18, 20, 22, 24) mounted beneath the underside (12') of the keyboard (12) at which location they resiliently return to a locking position (FIG. 4 B) to block removal.