Abstract: Emergency call system by which a caller can automatically call other parties to leave an emergency message, includes an emergency call unit having a memory for storing telephone numbers to be called and the emergency message, an emergency key, and a microprocessor for controlling storage of the numbers and emergency message in the memory, setting each number to be dialed in sequence, delay dialing of each number for a period of time (without first detecting a dial tone) to assure that an outgoing call can be made on the telephone line, and dialing the numbers in sequence upon activation of the emergency key. The emergency call unit starts a transmission of the emergency message to the dialed number to automatically advise of an emergency after a predetermined time after the number has been dialed and no busy signal has been detected during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microprocessor-based system whose firmware controls a normal mode of operation and a factory-adjustment mode of operation. The sequencing in the two modes is controlled by branching in accordance with system-state tests performed during the sequencing. The factory-adjustment mode of operation never takes place during normal use of the system, and a branch to the factory-adjustment mode is controlled by forcing particular system-state test signals in the factory. Where no extra test pins are available, a branch to the factory-adjustment mode can be controlled by forcing two incompatible test signals, that is, by forcing an overall system state which cannot occur during normal operation.