Abstract: For use in telephone answering service installations, a circuit device is disclosed for bridging or patching external calls, such as an incoming call to a dialed-out call, and for timing the duration of (actual time usage of) the interconnection. The device is adapted for providing a coupling between a pair of the telephone front cord plugs of a conventional PBX switchboard. Circuitry is provided for sensing the mechanical connection of a jack to a plug and for sensing electrically the completion of the telephone call connection, for inductively coupling incoming and outgoing calls, for automatically disconnecting the inductive coupling upon sensing termination of a call connection and for timing, displaying and at least temporarily storing the duration of the call interconnection for entering a time charge to the customer's account.