Abstract: A control circuit for a telephone answering device provides the capability of disconnecting the telephone answering device from a telephone line and powering a microphone contained within a telephone handset connected to the telephone answering device. Recording of outgoing messages can then be done through the telephone set thus reducing background and tape noise. The control circuit also provides the capability of disabling the functions of the telephone answering device when any telephone set, connected to the same telephone line as the telephone answering device, is taken off-hook.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for a telephone directory that stores telephone numbers to be dialed. The directory has physical spaces for the entry of descriptive labels (e.g. names). The shutter mechanism has a first planar surface for providing these physical spaces. It has a second planar surface overlying the first surface. The second surface is divided into alternating opaque and transparent sections such that the surface having the names can be moved underneath the second surface such that the names can be hidden by the opaque sections or revealed by the transparent sections.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards have copper contact pads cut from copper foil and bonded to the circuit board, followed by printing circuit patterns of conductive ink on the board, the pattern connecting with the contact pads. The contact pads are cut from a copper foil strip fed with the circuit board beneath a die. Bonding of the contact pads follows, then printing of the circuit patterns. Boards can be formed from strip material in which case the individual boards are cut from the strip material.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch assembly has at least one of the conventional PCB's replaced by a porcelain coated steel plate. The contact circuit for the pushbutton switches is formed on the top surface of the steel plate. It is also possible to replace both PCB's of a conventional switch by forming a second circuit on the under surface of the steel plate, with the electrical devices mounted thereon. Use of the steel plate enables the normal metal mounting plate to be omitted.

Abstract: An integral telephone set and handset has two cooperating housings forming a hollow handset with a rigid support member in the form of a porcelain coated steel plate which carries the pushbutton assembly on one side and the electrical components or devices on the other. The receiver, transmitter and line switch and recall button can also be mounted on the support member.

Abstract: A base plate for a telephone set is molded of plastic instead of being a metal stamping and can be made of recycled scrap plastic material. The base plate is provided with a plurality of positions for mounting telephone set parts with each position having an arrangement of projections and one or more deflectable members whereby the telephone items can be mounted by sliding and downward movement to clip in, and with one or more of the positions also having alternative means for mounting items whereby alternate forms of an item can be interchangeably mounted.