Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting into other signals the audiofrequency signals produced through rotary dialing by a calling party during a phone communication established with the apparatus of the invention, the latter being connected to the called party's phone line.The audiofrequency signals produced through rotary dialing are converted either into multifrequencies, such as D.T.M.F. or Touch-Tone, or into other audiofrequencies or other signals.Signals thus converted, and which can be introduced or injected into the called party's phone line, allow a calling party to remotely control from a rotary phone various types of equipment or systems.Further, signals thus converted allow a calling party to command from a rotary phone any equipment existing in the market or to be designed in the future capable of being controlled by means of D.T.M.F. signals such as "Touch-Tone" signals.

Abstract: The method and apparatus activates, through phone telecommand, an announcer recorder and selectively activates by sending codes at least another automatic call attention phone device to facilitate the remote control of several fixtures located at a phone subscriber's address. The method includes: (A) sending from the calling end of a phone line the characters corresponding to the called phone number; (B) detecting at the called end of the phone line the call trains coming from the phone exchange; (C) closing the d.c.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for decoding audiofrequency information sent through rotary dialing from a calling phone set or through any other phone dialing generating means, as they are currently found in the form of automatic rotary dialers, during the conversation period established between a calling phone set and the apparatus of the present invention located at the called end.At the same time in which the closure of the d.c. current or conversation circuit takes place, a decoder apparatus is activated at the called party end for decoding the audiofrequency information sent through rotary dialing by the calling party and transforming it into logic data or single pulses for purposes of commanding, ordering or informing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control a subscriber's phone system including, at least, one automatic telephone answering equipment. When a calling party dials the phone number of a subscriber whom he desires to call, the apparatus of this present invention shall close the d.c. loop, in response to which the calling party receives a ring-back signal. If the calling party does not send a pre-established code after receiving the ring-back signal, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the phone line shall be automatically connected by this invention apparatus to the automatic phone answering equipment. But if he dials a pre-established code after the d.c. loop closes, the code shall be displayed on a displaying device, and at the same time an acoustic signal source will be activated advising the called party that he is receiving a call from someone who knows the preset code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening unwanted calls by processing coded information received through a telephone line during the non-active intervals of a ringing period. Once the ringing loop has been established, a calling party "dials" a pre-established code, which may comprise one or more characters, during one or more of the non-active intervals of the ringing period. If the code is correct, the called party is alerted. The indication furnished to the called party may be an acoustic signal, a flashing light, an alphanumeric display, or any other suitable indication means. The apparatus, during the ringing period and after such coded information has been received thereby, decodes and compares the codes with pre-established codes stored in a memory device and, if it finds coincidence between the received code and one of the memorized pre-established codes, it will validate the code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling a subscriber phone system including at least one automatic phone answering machine. When a calling party dials the phone number of a subscriber he wants to call, the apparatus will close the direct current loop, in response to which the calling party receives a ring-back signal. If he does not send a pre-established code after having received the ring-back signal, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the phone line will be automatically connected to an automatic phone-answering machine. But if he dials a pre-established code after the closing of the direct current loop, the code will be displayed on a display device and at the same time an acoustic signal source will be activated, warning the called party that he is receiving a call from somebody who knows the pre-established code. Looking at the display device, the called party is able to know the code and may or may not want to attend the call.

Abstract: A method for processing coded information received through a telephone line during the inter-ringing periods. A calling party dials a desired phone number and, once he recognizes the signals indicating that the ringing circuit has been established, he dials a pre-established code during one or more of the inter-ringing periods. Once the code has been received, it is decoded and compared with pre-established codes stored in a memory device. If coincidence is determined, the call is validated via the indicating means. The called party receives an indication that the call is originated by a person who is in possession of the code, and he may elect to answer or not answer the call. If the called party answers the call, the loop is closed and a conversation may take place. Further features include provision for a second code to be sent by the calling party once the loop has been closed, and means for liberating the line, after a certain ringing time has elapsed, when the called party does not answer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing coded information received through a telephone network corresponding to the phone subscriber to complete the connection between the final selector of the network and the subscriber's line only when, at the network, a pre-established code is received. The method comprises detecting the presence of ringing a signal at the phone subscriber's line at the final selector stage of the exchange, opening the phone subscriber's line in response to the detection of the ringing signal, sending from the calling end a code signal, filtering-out the ringing signal and letting through the code characters, decoding the code signal, comparing the code signal with one or more memorized codes, generating a validation signal when a match occurs and closing again the phone subscriber's line only in response to the simultaneous presence of the detected ringing signal and the validation signal. Thus the called subscriber will receive no ringing signal if a right code is not received.