Abstract: A coin escrow apparatus for use with a pay telephone includes a housing defining a coin hopper, a coin acceptance chute, and a coin return chute. The apparatus also includes a door mounted within the housing for selective movement between an escrow position for supporting coins in the hopper, an acceptance position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin acceptance chute, and a return position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin return chute. The apparatus also includes structures for selectively moving the door between its escrow, acceptance, and return positions. An integrated circuit is provided for unconditionally simulating a relay switch contact normally indicative of successful firing of the escrow coin apparatus to allow the coin escrow apparatus to be used with so-called "smart" telephones without requiring electromechanical components to sense and indicate successful firing of the coin escrow apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method minimize telephone charges by not answering the destination telephone when an incoming call is detected. Preconnection information such as dialed number identification system (DNIS) information, phone type information digits, and automatic number identification (ANI) information is automatically provided by the public switched telephone network to the destination telephone in response to the incoming call. The preconnection information is examined to determine if the rate structure is such that it would be more desirable to have the call billed as if it originated from the destination telephone or from the source telephone. If it is less expensive to have the call originate from the source telephone, the call is answered. If it is less expensive to have the call originate from the destination phone, a signal is sent to the user prompting them to hang up. When the caller hangs up, a return call is placed to the number and the caller answers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of informing a subscriber in a communication network about the charge for a desired connection, and a service control facility (SCP), a subscriber switching facility, a terminal (TA) and a communication network for carrying out this method. A subscriber signals a call request, which specifies the desired connection, to the communication network via the terminal (TA). The service control facility (SCP), or the subscriber switching facility, then determines tariff data (T) concerning the charge for a desired connection, independently of the establishment of the desired connection. Before the desired connection has been established, the tariff data (T) are sent to the terminal (TA), which displays the data as tariff data to the subscriber, by means of a display unit.

Abstract: A currency operated telephone, such as a coin operated telephone, and which is typically referred to as "pay telephone", having a uniquely designed outer housing capable of being wall mounted or supported in an upright or a self-standing position. The telephone housing has an openable hinged closure plate or so-called "flip lid", which carries on its exterior a face plate, and when opened, allows access to the interior of the telephone housing. The exterior of the face plate is arranged so that any information carried thereon is ergonomically visible to a user, whether the telephone is wall suspended or in a stand-alone surface supported position. When the closure plate is lifted and held in the opened position, direct access to a coin mechanism is obtained and access to a coin box, which collects the deposited currency for operation of the telephone, is also enabled. A coin return chute is also integral with the coin mechanism, such that installation and/or repair of the mechanism is easily enabled.

Abstract: A pay phone box structure includes a casing having a first side wall and a second side wall, a first supporting plate fixedly mounted on the first side wall of the casing and containing a plurality of first locking slots, a second supporting plate fixedly mounted on the second side wall of the casing and containing a plurality of second locking slots, a suspension bar secured to the second supporting plate and having a plurality of first locking hooks each detachably received in thesecond locking slots, a pivot plate pivotally mounted on the suspension bar and having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a cover pivotally mounted on the casing and having a first side wall, a second side wall secured to the pivot plate, a closed wall and an open wall, a sliding plate slidably mounted on the first side wall of the cover and having a plurality of second locking hooks each detachably received in thefirst locking slots, and a U-shaped pivot bar pivotally mounted on the closed wall of the cover and having a

Abstract: An external plug-in module is inserted, or field retrofitted, between a validator and a phone chassis and incorporates circuitry to condition the coin signals generated by the validator. This signal conditioning eliminates the possibility of the chassis being improperly triggered and generating false coin tone signals during periods of interrupted power.

Abstract: A pay phone having an operation module acted with a switch hook and a push button, the operation module including a base frame, a movable frame pivoted to the base frame and defining with the base frame a coin passage for guiding an inserted coin from a coin slot to a coin box when the line is connected, or to a coin-return assembly when the switch hook of the pay phone is depressed or the handset of the pay phone is hung up before connection of the line, a suspension frame controlled by a push button through a switching frame to guide the inserted coin from the coin passage way to the coin box.

Abstract: A coin receptacle for use with a locking coin receptacle cover and for use within a pay telephone. The coin receptacle comprises a molded one-piece plastic (polycarbonate) receptacle body having a bottom and four sides extending therefrom. The four sides define a top opening adapted to be covered by a coin receptacle cover. The receptacle body includes slots and a tang for releasably retaining the receptacle cover. The receptacle body further comprises a pull for facilitating removal of the coin receptacle from a pay telephone.

Abstract: A lower casing structure of a payphone is disclosed, including an outer casing member fit over the lower portion of the payphone and having threaded rods fixed thereon, a reinforcement plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods, a coin container shield having a plate portion which has holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods and a flange having securing slots formed thereon and a support plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods so as to sandwich the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate between the support plate and the outer casing member. Nuts engage the threaded rods for securing the support plate, as well as the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate, to the outer casing member. The support plate has a locking mechanism arranged thereon, comprising a rotatable member operable by a key to be rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A pay phone includes a buffer block provided to buffer the falling of inserted coins, enabling inserted coins to be guided through a coin track and detected by sensor means, a motor controlled to turn a coin receiving control board through a set of gears, enabling inserted coins to be positively received by a coin receiving unit, and a link turned with a coin return unit to close the coin receiving unit when the handset is hung up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for accepting a request for use of a virtual prepaid card involving the following stages:a user of a virtual prepaid card is connected to a server containing a data base, particularly version numbers, which are incremented when the corresponding cards are empty or obsolete,said user is authenticated with the server by communicating thereto an authentication sequence and a version number,said server supplies these numbers to a security processor having the capacity to recalculate the authentication sequence and check the validity thereof,in the case of the validity thereof, the processor transmits to the server a consumption authorization,after receiving said authorization the server gives agreement to the use request, within the limits of the credit remaining on the card and the validity date of the latter.

Abstract: A cash box proximity switch arrangement is provided for public telephones and is mounted in an upper portion of a lower housing of the telephone above the vault area. The switch is contained in a sealed housing which prevents contamination from dirt, moisture and the like. A magnet can be arranged so as to provide a bi-stable magnetic circuit between the floor of the lower phone housing and a cash box lid attached to a cash box which has been installed in the vault area of the telephone housing.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: A telephone-line powered coin telephone chassis which operates on as little as 23 milliamperes of off-hook loop current and which shuts down on-hook. Capacitors power a microprocessor for a short time during on-hook coin control immediately after a phone call. The chassis is designed to operate with the WESROC.RTM. coin telephone monitoring system and has built-in circuitry which makes a direct communications link between a remote unit of the WESROC system and the chassis. Connectors are built into the chassis for electrically connecting the chassis to the WESROC remote unit and to coin telephone components external to the chassis. Built into the chassis is circuitry for preventing tone fraud and pin fraud, detecting the presence of the handset, a push-button line diagnostic test, an interface for a volume switch and an interface for an electronic coin chute.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a facsimile communication supplementary service device that allows facsimile communication users to receive accurate service information from telephone switching facilities without performing any operations whatsoever. When a call is received, the facsimile signal analysis and decision part determines whether said call is a facsimile signal, and if it is, monitors the communication until it is completed. When the communication is completed, the charging system calculates the communication charge and the facsimile response part prepares the facsimile information. Then, if the originating party requested for the automatic immediate charge notification service, then the system calls back the originating terminal and sends said facsimile information. As a result, the originating terminal, if it is a facsimile terminal, can receive information on communication charge as a facsimile message. Consulting information may also be added to said charge information.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing power and telecommunications access is disclosed. The vending machine has a switchable power circuit that receives power from a power source and delivers the power to the customer's equipment via a power connector under the control of a central control unit. A customer interested in purchasing power or using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. From time to time the central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem which is connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also under the control of the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector.

Abstract: A telephone communication system having a plurality of pay telephones operatively connected to a local telephone carrier, which in turn, is connected to a long distance carrier. The pay telephones are located in booths that contain advertising materials of business locations. The advertising materials have predetermined telephone numbers that are only associated with the selected advertised business location. The advertised telephone numbers are free from the pay telephone, which can be a conventional pay telephone or a smart pay telephone. All of the telephone calls to the selected business locations are monitored which information is used to render a statement and a monetary bill for the advertising and telephone calls to the business location.

Abstract: Pin fraud of battery reversal pulse metered sophisticated coin telephones is detected and prevented by the method and apparatus of the invention. By carefully monitoring within the switch office the loop current that is flowing in the 48 volt battery circuit, especially in the more positive terminal portion of the 48 volt battery circuit, loss of current to a fraud ground at a remote coin telephone can be detected. Once a fraud ground is detected, the call is terminated. The current detector of this method and apparatus can also be used to terminate a call for the normal on-hook break of the loop current. A convenient location in the switch office and an inexpensive component configuration make the addition of this pin fraud detection and prevention apparatus very cost effective.

Abstract: A handicap telephone including a phone housing having a pair of speakers situated distant therefrom for emitting audio signals; and a phone panel positioned on the phone housing including a numeric keypad for allowing a user to dial a specific phone number, a speaker for allowing the input of audio signals, and an on/off button situated on the bottom face, whereby upon the depression of the on/off button, a user may dial a telephone number on the keypad and further communicate with a second party without the use of hands.

Abstract: An anti-stuffing device involves removing the floor at the end of the coin return chute to create a floor opening, placing a wall over the end of the chute to stop coins coming down the chute, pivotally mounting at the bottom end of the wall a compound lever so that its one leg closes-off the floor opening when in a first position towards which it is biased, and attaching one end of a compression spring to the other leg of the compound lever and its other end to the bottom of the pivoted door normally closing-off the front opening to the coin return bucket. The spring is of such length that when the bucket door is closing-off the front opening, it yieldably urges the compound lever to its first position closing-off the floor opening and when the lower end of the bucket door is pushed inward it pushes the compound lever so that its one leg moves away from the floor opening and allows the pay telephone user's coins for uncompleted calls to be retrieved by him. Methods defeat old and new stuffing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automatic voice messaging system for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectible to a first switch and a called station connectible to a second switch, with the first and second switches connected by a digital serial link. The voice messaging system preferably comprises an interface, a detection circuit, a speech circuit and a control circuit. The interface monitors signals on the digital serial link. The detection circuitry is connected to the interface for detecting busy or ring/no answer conditions at the called station upon call initiation to the called station from the calling station, and for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a message for the called station. The speech circuit is also connected to the interface for issuing a predetermined prompt to a user of the calling station.

Abstract: A call control apparatus for a pay phone includes a reading unit, a calculating unit, and a call enable unit. The reading unit reads out value information of an inserted card. The calculating unit calculates a call time corresponding to a ratio of the value information to a unit call fee when the value information read out by the reading unit does not reach the unit call fee. The call enable unit allows a call service by the call time calculated by the calculating unit.

Abstract: A telephone is secured against vandalism involving inserting a bare electrically conductive wire through the slot in the MEDECO lock securing the upper housing to the main housing. The free end of the inserted wire is made to contact either the "12" or the "1" terminal on the key pad on the back of the dial housing, to place system ground on the relay controlling the coin switch at the bottom of the chute for inserted coins and neutralize it so that coins can not be released to the coin box if a call is completed nor to the coin return bucket if a call is not completed. An advantageously shaped and located and mounted wire guard prevents the vandalism. The thin guard includes a wire blocking portion, a flange mounting portion, and intermediate portion connecting the blocking and mounting portions, and an inturned portion on its free end for overlying the terminals.

Abstract: A mechanism prevents explosion damage to coin pay telephones by providing an almost horizontal offset in the coin path so that a wad of paper cannot be moved by the weight of subsequently inserted coins. For existing phones, a retrofit provides a horizontal offset by locating a horizontal slot to one side of the existing coin chute entrance and having in back of it a relatively horizontal slippery surface for sliding the coin sideways and then downwards into a tunnel in alignment with the existing coin chute. The tunnel has a sloping bottom surface so that the coin rolls therein under the force of gravity into the existing coin chute. In another embodiment, the horizontal slot is further arranged perpendicular to the existing slot and the relatively horizontal slippery surface slides the coin back towards the horizontal slot and then downwards into the tunnel with a bottom sloping surface operative to roll the coin into the existing coin chute.

Abstract: A telephone is secured against vandalism by a double layer face plate or assemblage of tough materials. The assemblage consists of an outer plate covering most of the front of a telephone upper housing or casing, and a second layer covering the housing casing in areas not covered by the outer layer. Two such areas are those which involve openings in the outer or first layer for mounting the standard information pads above and below the dial push buttons. The second layer is open in the area of the push buttons, but the outer layer is provided with a grid thereat for preventing the housing or casing pushbutton grid from being pried out. The outer plate may be provided with wings to also secure the sides and top of the housing or casing against drilling and the insertion of a wire to pin the coin switch vane or to ground the coin switch relay to hold up deposited coins. The outer plate may also be provided with depending portions to cover the telephone coin box and coin return bucket.

Abstract: Encumbrances on making calls charged to a card can be reduced by a) storing information so that an association is created relating a card number and at least one calling telephone station, from which card calls charged to the associated card are to be made, b) using the association to retrieve the card number at the time a card call is made from the at least one associated telephone station and c) automatically supplying the retrieved card number to the telephone network at the appropriate part of call set-up, so that the card number need not be entered by the calling party. The association between the card number and the telephone station, which may be referred to as a "logical link", is 1) independent of any pre-existing relationship between the card number, or any subset thereof, and the telephone number of the telephone station and 2) continues to exist despite the going on hook of the calling telephone station.

Abstract: A public telephone system includes a plurality of public telephone sets and a center apparatus.

Abstract: Pay telephone coin opening cover assemblies which include portions of the pay telephone and a mask fashioned to cover the coin return opening. The mask includes a structural element or elements which cooperate with coin return opening structure and existing interior portions of the pay telephone structure to secure against the opening a face plate which is attractive and unobtrusive in appearance. The invention allows a conventional pay telephone to be recycled into a coinless pay telephone which is attractive in appearance, friendly to the user, and cost competitive.

Abstract: An improved outer face plate for the principal section of a coin operated telephone unit. The face plate includes at least one additional face plate opening located proximate a side of the dialing pad area of the plate and defined about its periphery on the backside of the plate by a raised rim for the positioning and support of a front mounted advertising panel card. A back support wall is mounted to the raised rim of the additional plate opening with such wall and the raised rim providing slot openings for the insertion of the front mounted advertising panel card.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for demonstrating the operation of one or more telephones by simulating an active telephone line in which a ring tone generator (74), busy tone generator (72), dial tone generator (70), confirmation tone generator (146) and power ringer (52) are operationally controlled by a microprocessor (62) responsive to the on-hook and off-hook status of a telephone connected to the apparatus as well as control signals established by keypad entry or programmed operation. A decoder (64) responsive to DTMF or pulse dial signals provides for universal operation without regard to the type of telephones connected to the apparatus. Communications over the telephones can be monitored with an external speaker (38) or headphones, or recorded for later review. The apparatus also provides for simulated operation of coin-operated and calling card operated telephones.

Abstract: Apparatus to prevent the theft of coins in the coin return channel of pay phones and coin vending machines. Three vanes are pivotally mounted within or adjacent the return channel to provide a bypass path for returned coins so that blocking of the coin return door or the use of a wire attached to a coin for inserting a wad of material will not prevent retrieval by a user of the telephone or vending machine.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automatic voice messaging system for use in a telephone network having a calling station connectible to a first switch and a called station connectible to a second switch, with the first and second switches connected by a digital serial link. The voice messaging system preferably comprises an interface, a detection circuit, a speech circuit and a control circuit. The interface monitors signals on the digital serial link. The detection circuitry is connected to the interface for detecting busy or ring/no answer conditions at the called station upon call initiation to the called station from the calling station, and for detecting receipt of a predetermined code from the calling station indicating that the caller desires to leave a message for the called station. The speech circuit is also connected to the interface for issuing a predetermined prompt to a user of the calling station.

Abstract: A protective cover for the coinbox-containing portion of pay telephones of generally box-like construction, comprises a front panel flanked by a pair of parallel, rearwardly-extending side walls to define a generally U-shaped construction. The construction closely abuts the front and side panels of the telephone. The front panel is adapted to be permanently fastened to the coinbox cover of the telephone, such as by welding, and has an entryway to the telephone coin return slot and an integral raised portion positioned to overlie the top portion of the coin return door plate of the telephone.

Abstract: A telephone call is conveniently placed between a telecommunications device and a central office. A first plurality of signals representing a telephone dialing digit not including "0", followed by a multiple-digit phone number, is received. At least one signal which indicates a desired method of making payment for the telephone call is then received. Arrangements are made for payment of the telephone call according to the desired method of payment. The telephone call is then placed by transmitting a second plurality of signals representing the multiple-digit phone number to the central office.

Abstract: A prepaid telephone system having multilingual capabilities is provided in a public switched telephone network. A telephone user buys a predetermined amount of service beforehand and receives a card imprinted with a unique account number. A plurality of toll free access telephone numbers allows the user to access the prepaid telephone system. Each of those telephone numbers causes the prepaid system to interact with the user in the language in which he or she wishes the system to operate. The user is prompted in the chosen language to enter his or her card number. The authenticity of the number and the available credit is determined. If there is a certain minimum amount of credit available, the user is prompted to enter the phone number of a desired party. The user may also dial a speed dialing alias which connects the user to special services including news, weather, travel, translation, and other services.

Abstract: An integrated customer owned coin operated telephone (COCOT) and regulated paystation telephone system permits the functionality of the paystation to be remotely programmed, in order to increase the versatility of the paystation in either mode of operation. The integrated paystation telephone system includes a central microprocessor coupled with a memory that stores the firmware for operating the paystation telephone. Circuitry is provided under the control of the microprocessor to operate such functions as the power control and coin relay (the relay which excepts or refunds a deposited coin) in either mode of operation. The paystation telephone system is remotely configured to operate in either the COCOT or regulated mode without requiring any hardware changes. Because of the remote configuration of the paystation telephone system, various features can be programmed, increasing the versatility of the paystation.

Abstract: An adjustable height mounting pedestal (10) for public or coin telephones (18) comprises a tubular upright post (12) having a plurality of arrangements of mounting holes (80) corresponding to varying telephone mounting heights ranging from a drive-up curb side height to a standard handicap access height. A backboard mounting enclosure (16) is longitudinally aligned with and overlapping the upright post (12) such that the backboard (16) adjustably slides along the upright post (12) during installation of the mounting pedestal. A single installer can accurately determine the center height of a coin slot (19) of the telephone (18) before mounting the telephone within the backboard mounting enclosure (16) by use of a coin slot center height indicator (141). The upright post (12) allows mounting of a backboard (16) and telephone at a selectively variable height, and also allows the mounting of a second backboard (16') and telephone at the selected height.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled coin telephone station includes apparatus that enables it to provide dialed telecommunications service and accept payment therefor--which is its primary function. The coin telephone station further includes apparatus for automatically dialing predetermined telephone numbers, automatically answering incoming telephone calls, and apparatus for monitoring conditions associated with its primary function in order to be a participating member of a hierarchal reporting network--which is its secondary function. In order to carry out the secondary function, the coin telephone station stores operating instructions which cause it to operate as either a Master or a Slave station within the hierarchal network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing enhanced call service and call routing functions from a centralized location on a telephone network line through gateway connections to service providers is disclosed. A multiple function interface located between a paystation and an originating central office includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring call signals from the paystation, circuits for obtaining coin or card billing information from the paystation and a control circuit for verifying the payment information and selectively directing the call to a service provider to bypass the originating central office. Calls are able to be routed by a signal generating circuit as direct (1+) calls from the interface to any service provider. Interface circuits permit the interface to interconnect analog and business lines on the paystation side of the interface with analog and business lines and digital links on the service provider side of the interface.

Abstract: Voice message storage from a first plurality of telephones, such as a plurality of coin operated pay phones, is provided by a multiprocessor system including a CPU, a software driven line card connected to each coin operated telephone line, and a single voice message computer. The voice message computer and the line cards are coupled together through a private internal data bus which is independent of the telephone lines and the central office switch systems. The voice message computer provides spot advertising of selected messages during dead times in the telephone connection, provides abbreviated, coin-free, speed dialing, coin box accounting, and remote automated coin box diagnostic monitoring. Voice messages are stored in the voice message computer, which originate both at a pay phone for later delivery to a phone through the central office switching system, or which originate with a telephone directly connected to the central office switching system.

Abstract: A protective cover for the coinbox-containing portion of pay telephones of generally box-like construction, comprises a front panel flanked by a pair of parallel, rearwardly-extending side walls to define a generally U-shaped construction. The construction closely abuts the front and side panels of the telephone. The front panel is adapted to be permanently fastened to the coinbox cover of the telephone, such as by welding, and has an entryway to the telephone coin return slot and an integral raised portion positioned to overlie the top portion of the coin return door plate of the telephone.

Abstract: A protective cover is disclosed for coin operated telephones which includes a coin box for storage of coins and a coin return opening for providing the user with a refund of unused coins. The protective cover is constructed of heavy gauge protective steel plate and is dimensioned to extend across the entire width of the telephone while providing limited, but sufficient access to the coin return opening of the telephone by including a relatively small opening to provide such access. A door which blocks the opening in the steel plate is pivotally mounted to the rear surface of the plate and is dimensioned to pivot rearwardly when returned coins are retrieved by the user, thus preventing stuffing of the coin return area.

Abstract: For use in conjunction with vehicular, hand-held, pay telephone, a telephone dispenser and latching mechanism for securing the telephone in the dispenser and, in response to actuation by a telephone user, releasing the telephone from the dispenser. The dispenser includes an elongated dispenser channel or stepwise construction. The dispenser channel is enclosed at one end by a latch plate including a credit-card-actuated latching mechanism. The dispenser channel is enclosed at an opposite end by a face plate having an opening for the insertion and extraction of the telephone from the dispenser channel and a slot for the insertion of a credit-card. The latch-release actuator is located behind the face plate slot and is mechanically linked to the latching mechanism. A credit card, once inserted into the slot, causes the latching mechanism to disengage from the telephone, permitting an ejector mechanism to urge the telephone out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A plastic vault liner for use in paystations for the purpose of providing a spacer underneath the coin receptable. Two versions are shown: a standard one piece plastic version and a high security version which provides a stainless steel anti-drill plate as an integral part of the liner. The liner is designed as a bevel spring to insure positive upward pressure on various coin enclosures.

Abstract: The invention enhances a payphone by providing multilingual instructions to the user on how to complete a phone call. This is accomplished by providing a language directory listing at the payphone. Upon actuating the proper code for the language desired on the dial of the payphone, instructions will be given in that language.

Abstract: A coin telephone message and management system is provided for use at a central office location of a telephone system with a plurality of conventional remotely located coin telephone stations and with, or in place of, an automated coin subsystem to which the coin telephone stations are otherwise connected by coin trunks.

Abstract: A standard keyboard or keypad for a coin operated telephone is connected to balance an artificial line rather than the actual phone line. The artificial line simulates operating conditions at the end of the loop regardless of whether the phone that the keyboard is in is actually near or far from the central office. As a result, the standard keyboard can be operated using a current at or near its designed minimum operating current. Additionally, a microcontroller for controlling the operation and decoding of the keyboard is programmed to have a small duty cycle of on time during decoding so that the bulk of the power normally used by the microcontroller can be switched to the keyboard when it is detected that a key is depressed. Thus, a line powered low power controller can be used in conjunction with a standard keyboard.

Abstract: A modular public telephone has two independent armored boxes, one of which contains the telephone mechanism and the other of which is a strong coin receiving box. Both boxes are provided with front doors, and the upper box has a number of windows for receiving the respective operating modules including a coin insertion module a credit card insertion module, a display module, a keyboard module, a coin return module and a handset receiving module. A number of the modules can be interchanged or substituted.

Abstract: A facsimile transmitting system is provided, wherein information recorded on a document or docments is read and transmitted. Prior to transmission, the amount of information recorded on the document is detected. A charge is calcualted prior to transmission based on the detected amount of recorded information. Money or the like corresponding to the calculated charge is received. Thereafter, information read from the documents is transmitted. The money can be received via a charge receiving unit which responds to a card storing recorded monetary value. The receiving unit reads the value from the card, substracts a value corresponding to the calculated charge from the read value, and records the result of this subtraction onto the card.