Abstract: A comprehensive automatic directory assistance apparatus includes a means for receiving information from a caller via a specified number of DTMF signals, means for identifying another subscriber from the signals, means for vocally conveying information relating to the other subscriber to the caller and means, selectable by said caller, for connecting the caller with the other subscriber.

Abstract: In order to expand or increase the number of lines of a communications system, this disclosure enables connection of one PBX switching system to another by connecting the switching networks to junctors which establish a multichannel transmission link between the first PBX module and a second module of similar format. The junctor is treated internally in each PBX module as a line or trunk port and whenever an extension number which is not contained in the numbering plan of the individual module is dialed, the control unit of the PBX will direct that call to any free junctor. The complete dialed number is transmitted from the originating module via the junctor to a receiving junctor at the other switching system.

Abstract: An intercommunication system makes use of existing quad wiring to provide intercom communication between the subsets of the system, as well as communication with a standard central office, or an "outside line". Each subset is provided with a control sequencer for selectively connecting the set to either an "intercom" or an "outside" or C.O. line. When the handset of a subset is lifted off the respective hookswitch, the subset is automatically connected to intercom line and signalling between subsets can occur with the outside line on "hold". The hold is released automatically when another handset is picked up.Two indicators show activity on the two lines respectively.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system operates by partitioning data wherein the PCM speech transmission data field is used to contain both digitized speech and other data in the same channel within a frame. Thus the system enables speech and data to be combined in a common information field and to be simultaneously transmitted in the same channel, frame by frame, through a digital switching network. The switching network contains a common port which has a digital interface connected to the port which digital interface can separate and combine the speech and the data fields. The digital interface is connected to a conference module which conference module receives the speech fields via a speech bus. The digital interface is further connected to a data base system which data base system receives the separated data fields via a data tone bus.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system includes a digital switching network for allowing connections between one or more of a plurality of ports. The system described includes a tone module at one port which module includes a tone bus which can be connected to a plurality of other ports each associated with a terminal module. In the system a poll originating module is coupled to a given port of the switching network. The poll originating module can initiate a broadcast mode by transmitting a polling signal. Upon implementing the broadcast mode the switching network connects the polling originator module to the tone module. The tone module then transmits the polling signal during the broadcast mode to a plurality of ports. The polling request is decoded at each of the ports by means of a terminal interface module. In this manner each port will recognize a polling request and contain separate circuitry to respond to such a request through the switching network.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system operates by partitioning data wherein the PCM speech transmission data field is used to contain both digitized speech and other data in the same channel within a frame. Thus the system enables speech and data to be combined in a common information field and to be simultaneously transmitted in the same channel, frame by frame, through a digital switching network. The system has a data base which is a computer coupled to a predetermined port of the switching network so that data transmitted from any subscriber can be received by the data base. The output of the data base is coupled to the tone bus so that the received data or the processed data from the data base can be coupled to any or all subscribers associated with the switching systems via the tone bus. This simultaneous broadcasting of data via the tone bus eliminates the need for additional channels in the switching network for transmitting data from the data base to subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data partitioning technique wherein the PCM speech transmission data field is utilized to contain both digitized speech (for example, from a telephone) and other data (for example, from a data terminal) in the same channel within a frame having a plurality of channels e.g. 32 channels, of information. This enables the speech and data to be combined in a common information field and simultaneously transmitted in the same channel, frame by frame, through a digital switching network to other system users. Also, in accordance with the present invention, system users can individually selectively access a data base system through the switching network, such that the same information can be broadcast from the database system to a plurality of system users, or such that different information can be accessed in the database system by a plurality of system users and simultaneously transmitted to different users in different channels.