Abstract: A signal detector 100 and method detects digital signals on a signal path 102. The signal detector 100 comprises a sample detector 108 which detects digital code samples for past sample periods and the instant sample period. Past digital code samples are stored in a sample storage 114. Past digital code samples and the instant digital code sample are compared by a comparator 112. If the samples are equal, the signal path 102 is idle. If the samples are unequal, the signal path 102 is in use. It is contemplated that the past digital code sample substantially immediately preceding the instant digital code sample will be compared to the instant digital code sample.

Abstract: A telephone console (10) for use in a telephonic call distribution system (12) for selectively interconnecting a plurality of telephonic units (16) of an external telephonic network (18) with a plurality of consoles (10) of the system, a prerecorded voice message system having a portable voice message storage unit (40) with a recorded voice message, a connector module (26) for releasable connection with the portable voice message unit (40) and a microprocessor (20) programmed to control the playing back of a recorded message to a console (10).

Abstract: A telephonic console (10) having a visual display (12) and a keyboard (14) for making manual entries to control the console (10) to perform different functions in conjunction with an automatic call distribution system (14) interconnecting telephonic units (16) of an external network (18) with a plurality of telephone consoles (10), a console personality programming apparatus having a nonvolatile memory (32) within the console storing a personality code associated with one of a plurality of different personalities, a microprocessor (20) for reading the personality code and for controlling the console (10) to function in accordance with the one personality associated with the read code.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (12) of a telephonic console (14) having multiple modes of operation programmable at a user's site is shipped partly disassembled from a plurality of top mountable key caps with different designations for the same key location corresponding to different modes for permanent top mounting into vacant key holes (18, 20, 22, 24) at the customer site and is preassembled with other key cap assemblies that are installed at a manufacturing site from the underside (12') of the keyboard. The top mountable key cap assemblies (40) have a plurality of resilient arms (56, 58, 62, 64) with flanges (68) on the ends to block removal and wedge-shaped camming surfaces (70, 72) for camming engagement with the sides (50) of key holes to resiliently press the flanges (68) inwardly to enable insertion into the key hole (18, 20, 22, 24) mounted beneath the underside (12') of the keyboard (12) at which location they resiliently return to a locking position (FIG. 4 B) to block removal.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for handling a special type call, the call containing at least automatic number identification (ANI) data, having at least one central switching location for receiving the call and having a circuit for processing, an interfacing circuit with an automatic location identification (ALI) data base having ALI data associated with the ANI data, the circuit for interfacing receiving the ANI data from the processing circuit and returning the ALI data to the processing circuit, and having a storage provision for the ALI data associated with the call; and a connecting circuit for connecting the processing circuit to at least one remotely located terminal for receiving the call, the processing circuit also sending the ALI data to the terminal.