Abstract: An improved call system has a signal sending apparatus, a message receiving station located at a distance from the sending apparatus, and signal generating means located at the receiving station. The signal sending apparatus includes a call box for selectively energizing the generating means and producing a set of coded signals, each of which, when in communication with the receiving station, calling for a response which is determined by the specific message characteristics of the communicating signal. The signals may be generated in the form of light, sound or both, controlled in duration and intensity, and communication may be through electrical conductors, by radio, by telephone and other means.In one specific aspect the message receiving station may be a nurses call station in a hospital and the call box may be operated by a person in need of assistance in a hospital room or other area.

Abstract: A nurse's call system is constructed for use in hospitals, nursing homes and the like wherein classified groups of services are provided including (a) services lowest in importance rendered by a nurse's aide; (b) services of greater importance rendered by a nurse or a doctor; and (c) services of greatest importance rendered by an emergency unit or team including units to deal with cardiac arrest, hemorrhage, shock, suffocation, oxygen requirements, and the like. The call system comprises a luminaire apparatus including a call lamp located at the nurse's call station, electrical circuitry connecting the call lamp with a remotely located patient's room, and a portable call box located at the patient's room at a patient's bedside.