Abstract: An automatic telephone answering machine of the kind employing a microcomputer for switching from one mode of operation to another is arranged to switch from the "stop" mode to the "automatic answer" mode in response to recurring ring signals transmitted during an incoming phone call, provided those signals meet criteria such as duration of ring, length of interval between successive rings, and a minimum period of recurring ring signals. The mode switching arrangement causes the machine to switch to the "automatic answer" mode and then answer the call during the same phone call to enable the caller to confirm by receipt of the machine's outgoing announcement that the mode switch has occurred.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering system including a recorder having an input and an output connected to a telephone line for the recording and playing of messages and which is remotely controllable through the use of a dual-tone signal. A recorder control apparatus controls the recorder and is connected to receive input signals sent over the telephone line to the recorder and output signals sent from the recorder. The recorder control apparatus generates an inhibit signal to the recorder when the recorder control apparatus detects the fact that at the input or output a signal having dual-tone frequencies continues for a predetermined maximum allowable time which is shorter than the minimum time for dual-tone signal detection, thereby preventing said signal having the dual-tone frequencies from being input to or output from the recorder over a time period longer than said minimum time for dual-tone signal detection.