Abstract: A telephonic apparatus that minimizes the number of keystrokes required to make a local phone call in an area code overlay region is provided. If a user enters a local phone number into the telephonic apparatus, the telephonic apparatus, in turn, automatically recalls a stored area code and dials it prior to dialing the local phone number. The recalled area code may be either the base area code or the overlaying area code within the area code overlay region. Thus, a user need only enter a local phone number when attempting to make a local phone call within the area code overlay region, which would otherwise require the user to enter a long distance phone number. If a user, on the other hand, enters a long distance phone number into the telephonic apparatus, the telephonic apparatus, in turn, dials the long distance phone number in a standard manner.

Abstract: A telephonic apparatus that minimizes the number of keystrokes required to make a local phone call in an area code overlay region or geographically split area code region is provided. The telephonic apparatus comprises a function key, the operation of which will prompt the telephonic apparatus to automatically dial a preceding number (e.g., a single-digit or multi-digit long distance access number and an area code) stored within the telephonic apparatus. The stored preceding number may contain a frequently called area code, e.g., one that is found in a geographically split area code region. The telephonic apparatus can optionally dial the preceding number in response to entry of the local phone number into the telephonic apparatus. In this case, the stored preceding number may contain either the base area code or the overlaying area code within an area code overlay region.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp having a plurality of filaments which can effectively negate disadvantages of unpredictable operation and complete darkness after failure when operated similar to a conventional single filament lamp. In a preferred embodiment of the invention two filaments enclosed within an a suitable envelope are electrically connected to incandesce simultaneously. The embodiment having two filaments enclosed within an envelope of the lamp has three states: one, both filaments energize simultaneously and the lamp radiates maximum visible energy; two, first filament fails but the second filament remains energized and the lamp radiates relatively less visible energy; and three, second filament fails and the lamp is completely dark. In state one, the lamp operates similar to a conventional single filament lamp. In state two, the lamp is radiating less visible energy indicating to the user the need to be replaced before occurrence of state three, complete failure of the lamp.