Abstract: A method and system for updating a database stores billing rate parameters for call rating devices associated with a calling station. The calling station calls at a predetermined date and time a rate provider, which includes billing rate parameters for a plurality of calling stations. The call rating device transmits over the telephone network to the rate provider the phone number of the calling station, and the date and time of the last updated database. The rate provider verifies that the billing rate parameters of the calling station should be updated, then transmits back over the telephone network to the calling station the updated database. The rate provider also sends data as to the new date and time for the call rating device to place a call to the rate provider.

Abstract: A device interconnects within the phone line coming from a first phone and routes telephone calls along a least cost route originating from the first telephone to a second telephone via the network. A housing forms an enclosure and has a first jack for interconnection to the phone side of the phone line and a second jack for interconnection to the network side of the phone line. The housing forms an enclosure which includes a switch for disconnecting the first phone from the network. The device generates a source of current through the switch to the first phone corresponding to the amount of current provided by the phone network. A database stores billing rate parameters for determining various communication paths of different carriers based on parameters such as the time and date of the call. Phone calls from the first phone are detected and stored. The database is addressed and a plurality of communication switch paths are identified as well as the cost rate of each path.

Abstract: A device having a keyboard and a display for determining and displaying information relating to the cost of telephone calls. The device contains information as to the identify of exchanges which may be called, as well as information as to the cost parameters of telephone calls placed from a predetermined exchange which is usually the exchange of the user's telephone. The device has an idle state in which a telephone number may be entered and an operating mode may be selected. The device has Timer, Verify and D.E.N. operating modes in each of which telephone cost information may be based on the rates of any of four long distance carriers. In all of these modes the device displays the exchange of the (local or non-local) telephone number entered and information as to one or more cost parameters associated with a call to the telephone number entered.

Abstract: A telephone having a dialer for repetitively dialing a desired number at 40 second time intervals. The telephone is initially used in the normal manner, and when the number being called is busy, the user hangs up the telephone and depresses a button to place it in a reiterative dialing mode. Thereafter the telephone, at 40 second intervals, repetitively dials the desired number. Each time a busy signal is detected the telephone disconnects from the line, and dials again 40 seconds later. When a ring signal is detected, indicating the number called is no longer busy, an alarm alerts the user to pick up the receiver. All of the logic and control circuitry involved, except the power supply, is built into the telephone.

Abstract: A telephone accessory device for monitoring the cost of a telephone call at the location of the calling telephone. A keyboard is provided through which the number to be called is entered; this number appears on a display and can be checked for accuracy before the number is actually "dialed" by depressing another key on the keyboard. At this time the initial billing rate and initial billing time period appear on digital displays, as well as the billing rate for the next billing time period and the corresponding period duration. Circuitry is provided to continually maintain the billing displays on a current basis, to provide an accurate indication of the cost of the call. At the conclusion of the call the total cost thereof is automatically entered into an accumulator which provides information as to the total month-to-date costs of calls placed from the telephone.