Abstract: A call defeat device to prevent calling unauthorized numbers, such as long distance, 1-900 etc., which is adapted to prevent a caller from successfully dialing one or more predetermined digit strings on a touch tone telephone connected to a given telephone line by apparatus including a touch tone decoder coupled to the telephone line and a microprocessor/memory for storing and issuing predetermined unauthorized digit strings, if dialed on the telephone, designates that the call is to be defeated. A comparator compares each digit string dialed on the telephone to the predetermined digit strings, and, if a match is sensed, a dialer sends onto the telephone line at least one DTMF digit, such as a "#", which will defeat the call in progress.

Abstract: The present apparatus is a device interposed between a phone set and a telephone jack. It is secured by a lock and hasp to a post or frame member so that it overshadows and prevents access to a conventional telephone jack and the wall plate surrounding the jack. When locked in place, and connected serially between the phone set and the telephone line, it includes the user to input a PIN number, and to thereby make calls to specified telephone numbers (one or more). A field in memory stores unique PIN numbers for the users and calls numbers, and keeps track of available time not yet used by the N users. By decrementing with each call, the elapsed total time can be tracked. Charges can be controlled by limiting the authorized telephone numbers.

Abstract: A communications system includes a processor and associated memory containing information identifying dialing authorizations for a plurality of Personal Identification Numbers thereby a user to enter a personal identification number to receive access to authorized connections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming a cellular telephone with activation parameters. A cellular telephone to be programmed is connected to a computer via a communications interface. A user input device is provided to allow a user to provide programming information, including a cellular telephone type, to the computer. A visual representation of the cellular telephone type is displayed on a display monitor to allow the user to interactively verify the inputted programming information. Upon such user verification, the computer determines activation parameters and transmits the activation parameters to the cellular telephone. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, certain activation parameters are dynamically computed based on the user provided programming information. In one embodiment, the user enters a cellular telephone number to be assigned to the cellular telephone. The computer looks up a system identification associated with the cellular telephone number in a memory unit.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively adjusting the caller identification of a calling party based, in party, on parameters associated with adjusting the calling party. Security codes can be used in conjunction with a database to insure that the substituted ID is legitimate. The one embodiment or network based predictive dialer is used to place calls for agents geographically separated from both the network and other agents. The network system instigates a calling campaign where remote agents are connected through the network to called parties where the called party receives the caller ID information pertaining to the calling campaign and not the caller ID of the agent.

Abstract: A parallel-connected dialing signal detection and transmission-inhibiting device is disclosed which detects dual-tone multi-frequency dialing signals across tip and ring conductors of a telephone link and switches in an a.c. load that attenuates the dialing signals by at least 30 dB. This prevents action in response to the DTMF signals by a central office servicing the telephone link, thereby allowing commands-data to be transmitted within the home telephone wiring. Such commands can be used to invoke a speed/auto dialing function, to provide an intercom, to control appliances, etc. To allow fast response, the controller charges a capacitor of the a.c. load by connecting it across the tip and ring conductors in response to an off-hook condition. Then it is disconnected to allow a dial tone to reach a user at the telephone. Further transparency is provided by the fact that a single interfacing capacitor connects both the dialing signal detector and a tone generator to the tip line.

Abstract: To set a night service configuration, a configuration control (KS) in the private branch communications exchange (NK) is activated from an internal or external handset or a switchboard position by dialing a call number. A sequence of numbers then entered is interpreted as an authorization code. The subscriber group for which incoming calls are to be diverted is selected by a sequence of numbers subsequently entered. A further sequence of dialed numbers determines the target handset or the target switchboard position for receiving the diverted calls. The configuration control (KS) then forms an administration and maintenance order, which is transmitted to the operating system of the private branch communications exchange.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the use of a telephone based on usersupplied access criteria. The system includes a database for storing the access criteria. The access criteria can be modified in response to commands received from the telephone. The system also includes a switch, electrically coupled between the telephone and a telephone network, for selectively coupling the telephone and the telephone network based on the access criteria stored in the database.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing calls in a telecommunications network from being connected during specified periods of time, such as when calls to the desired communication terminal have been forwarded to a new communication terminal in a new time zone and the subscriber at the calling communication terminal is unaware of the local time of the new communication terminal. According to the invention, a prevention device is provided which informs the calling communication terminal of the local time of the new communication terminal prior to connection and requests the calling communication terminal to confirm whether the communication connection should be made, or automatically prevents the connection from being made and informs the calling communication terminal that the connection will not be made. The telecommunications network can include mobile telecommunications devices.

Abstract: A telephone line access control apparatus to restrict access to an outgoing telephone line may be placed in a locked mode to restrict access to the telephone line, or in an unlocked mode to enable full and unrestricted access to the controlled telephone line. The apparatus supports the answering of all incoming calls, and when in the locked mode restricts access to the telephone line by enabling a person to dial only preselected emergency telephone numbers. The invention is configured with a filter, which may be coupled to the telephone line, as required, to restrict the dialing and placing of unauthorized telephone numbers. Another embodiment of the invention is arranged with a plug that may be plugged into a telephone jack in a secured manner so that the apparatus may only be unlocked and removed from the telephone jack by individuals having a key.

Abstract: Potentially fraudulent telephone calls are intercepted from public telephones. As the digits which correspond to a telephone number are entered into a telecommunications device, each number at a particular location is compared with a predetermined number. If, according to this comparison, telephone numbers which include certain digits at particular locations in the dialing sequence are entered, the telephone call is blocked. This technique may be implemented by including appropriate software into a microprocessor controlled public telephone. For public telephones which are not microprocessor controlled, a microprocessor driven system can be interposed between the public telephone and the telecommunications line. A similar algorithm can be implemented in conjunction with a PBX system.

Abstract: A complete telephone number detection unit is described for use within a wireless local loop telephone. The detection unit examines digits or other symbols entered by user via a telephone keypad to determine whether a completed telephone number has been entered. If a completed telephone number has been entered, the detection unit signals other components of the telephone to transmit the telephone number. If the telephone number is not yet complete, then the detection unit awaits entry of additional digits or other symbols. To determine whether a completed telephone number has been entered, the detection unit accesses a parsing table having rows corresponding to different parsing states of permissible telephone numbers. Each row of the table includes a set of columns with one column corresponding to each of digits 0-9, the "*" symbol and the "#" symbol. To parse a telephone number using the table, each digit is applied to the table to yield a value.

Abstract: A stand-alone toll-barring device powered by the telephone line voltage or from an external supply. The device recognizes a user's personal identification number (PIN) as it is dialed in from a telephone or similar peripheral device, and has device to recall rights (if any) corresponding to that PIN from a memory table, and a device to assess whether a number being dial just after entry of the PIN is permitted under those rights. Emergency numbers and incoming calls are not barred. If the number is not permitted, the call is immediately interrupted. Reprogramming of the data is provided by a further PIN. The device may be installed within a telephone or across fixed telecommunications wiring installations within a building. Should a larger range of permitted or denied numbers be required, multiple devices can be used in series.

Abstract: Potentially fraudulent telephone calls are intercepted from public telephones. As the digits which correspond to a telephone number are entered into a telecommunications device, each number at a particular location is compared with a predetermined number. If, according to this comparison, telephone numbers which include certain digits at particular locations in the dialing sequence are entered, the telephone call is blocked. This technique may be implemented by including appropriate software into a microprocessor controlled public telephone. For public telephones which are not microprocessor controlled, a microprocessor driven system can be interposed between the public telephone and the telecommunications line. A similar algorithm can be implemented in conjunction with a PBX system.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing audio signals sampled from a telephone line during moving sample windows in order to detect indicia of three way calling attempts. The system and method sample audio signals on the telephone line, sort the sampled signals into a profile of levels for the sampled audio signals, and monitor the profile of sampled audio signals for reset and reference conditions. Reset conditions are pulse patterns identified from sampled audio signals that are inconsistent with patterns generated by three way call events. Reference conditions are pulse patterns identified from sampled audio signals that are consistent with patterns generated by three way call events. A sampling window and its associated profile are reset when reset conditions are detected. The profile is tagged as a potential three way call event when reference conditions are detected in a sample profile and no reset conditions are detected over the selected sampling interval (sampling window).

Abstract: The present invention features an automatic telecommunications system which includes a method for selecting the most economical carrier for the placement of a dialed telephone call. The telecommunications system attaches to a telephone number input device, such as a telephone dialer, a fax or computer/modem keyboard, a cellular phone, etc. The system captures the number dialed, while inhibiting or disconnecting the telephone from receiving incoming calls, thus preventing interruption of the data capture process. The captured number is fed to the user computer that accesses a first memory that has a database containing the carriers that provide service between the user service area and the area of the dialed number. The user computer contains an internal clock that ascertains the day of the week and the time of day. The computer is programmed to select a carrier providing the best (lowest) rate for the particular time of placement for the dialed call.

Abstract: The conference manager of a conferencing application is provided with an enhanced connect function for connecting the PC conferencing system to other PC conferencing systems. The connect function includes a common connect dialog box and associated logic for assisting the user in formulating the connect address to be used in attempting the connection. The common dialog box and its associated logic facilitate formulation of the connect address in at least an enter and a select mode. Under either the enter or the select mode, the user is provided with a list of validated transport types supported by the PC conferencing system. Under the enter mode, the user enters a connection number and selects a transport type from the validated transport types.

Abstract: A communication device that can operate as a facsimile only, telephone only, or combined device having the ability to retransmit data, either a message or identification data, originated at a first site to another site. The device has the capability of breaking communications when incoming data is identical to data previously received based upon the identification data of the originator.

Abstract: A feature telephone phone set has a call length recording and call sorting system which can record a plurality of called numbers, date, time, length and so on of each telephone call, and store records into two separate memory areas according to whether the call is a local call or a toll call. Recorded contents can be retrieved and shown on an LCD display. When the memory is full, older records are deleted automatically or manually. Because toll calls are more important than local calls, when the memory is full different criteria of deletion are obeyed when automatic deletion is performed. Special service codes and their descriptions are also provided, and each code can be retrieved by a common key and dialled by another common key.

Abstract: A transparent telephone access system using voice authorization includes a method and system (30 and 60) to protect against the unauthorized use of telephone network (20). By receiving a spoken telephone number (14) from telephone unit (16) and recognizing the spoken phrase that corresponds to telephone number (24), the method and system permit transmission through telephone network (20) to telephone (22). The method and system record spoken phrase (14) in voice recognition server system (18). For the spoken phrase, a voice-template is formed and compared with a voice template formed from a composed phrase including pre-existing or stored spoken digits. In response to the comparison, use of telephone system (16) through telephone network (20) is permitted.

Abstract: A telephone dialling code processor intercepts outgoing dialling codes such as tones or pulses from a telephone terminal or the like and if the sequence matches a stored sequence it transmits a modified sequence of tones or pulses so that for example a telephone exchange is caused to make the connection along an alternative path or to provide enhanced services. Block 105 monitors the line condition along with block 109 which senses line current in the telephone line 112 and thus the state of the telephone terminal. A muting circuit 101 is used to interrupt or nullify the original dialling tones, a dial tone decoder/receiver 110, storage of predetermined dialling sequences is at 103, a dialling tone encoder/generator 106 reconstructs a replacement dialling sequence and all are controlled by a microprocessor 107 with program memory. Internal power can be derived from the telephone line by 102.

Abstract: A method of dialing digits using dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals comprised of generating a digit from a DTMF generator comprised of a first pair of signals forming a DTMF signal, one signal of the first pair of signals being in a low frequency band and one signal of the first pair of signals being in a high frequency band, and applying the DTMF signal to a telephone line connected to a central office, detecting the first pair of signals in an auxiliary circuit and immediately applying a third signal in either of the low or high bands to the telephone line at the same time as the first pair of signals, and detecting the presence of the pair of signals and the third signal at the central office and preventing processing of the DTMF signal at the central office as a result thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling long distance calling in an analog key telephone system having a multi-frequency receiver includes the steps of: connecting the multi-frequency receiver to a telephone connected within the system; determining whether numerical digit inputs corresponding to a complete telephone number are provided from the telephone; determining whether the telephone is provided with a class of service that restricts long distance calling, when numerical digit inputs corresponding to a complete telephone number are provided; determining whether the complete telephone number represents a long distance telephone number, when the telephone is provided with the class of service that restricts long distance calling; releasing a call initiated from the telephone, when the complete telephone number represents a long distance telephone number; connecting the call initiated from the telephone, when the telephone is not provided with the class of service that restricts long distance calling, or when the complete

Abstract: A control device may be connected in series or in parallel to a telephone for restricting or routing calls made from the telephone to take advantage of low cost carriers for intra-LATA calls. The serial or parallel connection of the telephone can be detected as well. The device may be programmed for routing depending on the geographical location of the telephone. The central receiving office of the local phone company can be prevented from routing the call by the use of interfering tones.

Abstract: A device for detecting an operation state of a telephone hook switch in a telephone includes a timer, a controlling circuit, a counter and a table electrically interconnected. According to the present invention, the abnormal signals generated by the hook switch cannot be accepted by an exchange or even if the signals are accepted by the exchanger, the mute function of the telephone will be utilized to make the users unable to listen to each other.

Abstract: A lockout telephone comprising a keyswitch for controlling the operation of the telephone's push button keypad and speed dial buttons. The telephone can have a keyswitch with either ON and OFF positions or ON, SPEED DIAL ONLY, and OFF positions. When the keyswitch is in the ON position, the telephone is fully operational. When the keyswitch is in the SPEED DIAL ONLY position, only the speed dial buttons are operational. When the keyswitch without a SPEED DIAL ONLY position is in the OFF position, only the the keypad is inoperative. When the keyswitch with ON, SPEED DIAL ONLY, and OFF positions is in the OFF position, both the keypad and speed dial buttons are inoperative. The lockout telephone can also have an emergency dial button which is always operational, regardless of the keyswitch position.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1, a hands free phone set includes a main phone which includes the usual phone functions, including a main delta processing means, main memory for storing data for the main data processing means and data input means for inputting data and initiating phone operations. A remote controller includes a controller data processing means, controller memory means and command input means for inputting command data to the controller data processing means. There is a data communication means for transferring data from the main data processing means to the controller data processing means for copying data from the main memory means to the controller memory means and for transferring data in the opposite direction for control operations of the main phone.

Abstract: A device is provided to prevent an unauthorized telephone unit from initiating a telephone call, where the unauthorized telephone unit is connected between the central office of the telephone company and the authorized telephone units of the user. The device includes a first detector for detecting a DC current within the lines, and a second detector for detecting the voltage across the lines which lead from the telephone office to the authorized phones. A third detector detects a dual tone multifrequency dialing signal on the line, and a fourth detector detects pulse dialing, and a logic is responsive to all four detectors. When a dialing attempt is made from an unauthorized telephone unit, the first detector will not detect a DC current in the lines to the authorized telephone units, the second detector will detect a drop in voltage across the ring and tip lines, and either the third or fourth detector will detect that a dialing effort is being made.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a billing system which provides the most cost-effective long-distance telephone service for long-distance telephone calls made by an account by analyzing long-distance telephone calls in the aggregate, comparing the cost thereof between at least two different providers, and charging the account based on the lowest cost. Providers of long-distance telephone services aggregate those long-distance telephone calls for which an account is responsible and determine the cost of service based either on mileage or aggregate time. In a first embodiment, the billing system compares the costs of service associated with two different service plans, both of which determine the cost of service based on mileage. In a second embodiment, the billing system compares the costs of service associated with two different service plans, one which determines the cost of service based on mileage, the other of which determines the cost of service based on aggregate time.

Abstract: A dial calling method in which a multiplicity of dialing information items can be registered while decreasing the number of keys and simplifying the operation and which is capable of abbreviated-dialing and one-touch-dialing a multiplicity of called parties in accordance with the registered dialing information, and to a communication apparatus which use the method. Dialing information concerning the called party, inputted by using function keys and a ten-key keyboard, is registered in a storage unit, whose address is specified in accordance with the input sequential number of the dialing information and in accordance with the depressed function key. If the abbreviated dialing is performed, the registered dialing information is read by depressing the function key and by inputting the number which corresponds to the input sequential number by using the ten-key, so that dialing is performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a access-control system for a telecommunication network which connects a serving telecommunication system to a plurality of telecommunication access terminals, comprising: at least one portable memory devices card, for storing a resident PIN and a number of access authorization codes and associated identification data; an access-control module for connection to a telecommunications access terminal, comprising user's interface means for communication between the user and said module, means for reading said resident PIN, means for validating an user's PIN input on said user's interface means for accessing said number of access authorization codes and associated identification data on said card, means for selecting a transaction profile on said user's interface means, means for transmitting a selected access authorization code and associated identification data for said transaction profile associated to said validated resident PIN to said serving telecommunication system over

Abstract: The present invention is a digital telephone control interface system that provides a programmable control to the keys of a digital feature telephone. The programmable control selectively masks the keys present on a telephone and prevents masked keys from being directly responded to by the telephone or routed to the telephone switching network. While the keys are masked, the programmable control can suppress, delay, modify or enhance the key events produced by the masked keys as directed by the application software being run by the programmable control.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting telephone calls. The apparatus is wall mountable and can be powered by power available from a telephone line equipping a facility. Visually, the device emulates the appearance of a standard in-wall telephone connector package, with the electrical components of the device concealed with the facility wall. A programmable processor is incorporated into the apparatus allowing the user to override restrictions, enter new restrictions, or change the security code through entry of digits from a standard tone or pulse dialing telephone. Use of linear logic protocol in programming reduces complexity of programming and probability of error. The device temporarily disconnects the telephone from the network as each programming sequence is completed, preventing a tie-up of the network and reducing the probability of an accidental establishment of a local or long-distance connection.

Abstract: A system for accessing equipment connectable to a secured telephone communication channel by sensing ringing current on an access telephone communication channel. Ringing current on the secured channel is controlled such that the secured channel does not answer unless the access channel was called within a preset time period prior to calling the secured channel.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus including a decoder, a memory, a comparison circuit and an output device. The decoder serves to detect and decode telephone number information of a calling side transmitted with bell signals through a telephone line. The memory stores telephone number data of calling sides in correspondence with operation keys. When a call is received, the comparison circuit compares the output data of the decoder with the telephone number data stored in the memory. If a coincidence is detected between the output data of the decoder and the telephone number data of the memory based on the comparison result of the comparison circuit, the output device notifies a user that the call corresponds to one of the telephone number data stored in the memory. The output device includes indication units provided in correspondence with a plurality of operation keys, and a driving control circuit for selectively activating the indication unit of the operation key corresponding to the coincident telephone number data.

Abstract: A secure timed telephone switch apparatus for a telephone or telecommunication device wired to a telephone system circuit by at least one pair of wires, one wire being supplied with voltage. The apparatus includes a clock that may be set to provide a signal at predetermined times during a 24 hour period and during a 7 day period. A central processing unit programs and stores information for the predetermined times of the clock. A switch mechanism connected to the voltage supplied wire is responsive to the signal to switch between connection and disconnection of the telephone system circuit, the switch operably engaged with the clock and the central processing unit so that the telephone or telecommunication device will be disconnected and connected to the telephone system in response to the signal.

Abstract: A telephone capable of controlling an expensive long distance call or international call from an audible tone generator through the telephone's handset. When the handset is lifted, an off-hook signal is output from a hook switch and a CPU outputs an internal hook signal to close a line switch. When a dialed number is input from the telephone's key board, the CPU checks the first digit of the dialed number. When the first digit is "0", the internal hook signal is output to release the line switch, otherwise a line loop is kept as it is to make a dialing possible. In turn, when a DTMF signal corresponding to the dialed number is input from a DTMF generator via the handset, a DTMF receiver interprets first digit of the dialed number and sends it to the CPU. When the first digit is "0", the CPU outputs an on-hook signal to release the line switch, otherwise the line loop is maintained to make the dialing possible.

Abstract: A portable telephone apparatus for communication with a base station through a radio telephone channel. A microprocessor controller controls operation of the apparatus in accordance with an operational program. A connector is used for connecting the apparatus to a fixedly wired telephone line through a modem. A digital signal processor processes voice signals. The operational program is partially stored in an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). A first Random Access Memory (RAM) temporarily stores control signals to be used for amending the operational program stored in the EEPROM. A second RAM stores a portion of the operational program which is used for controlling operation of the digital signal processor. A switch which is responsive to the controller, selectively connects the second RAM to either the controller or the digital signal processor.

Abstract: A timed telephone silencer with its associated features is disclosed, its intended use being for selectively disabling (silencing) a telephone for a user-determined interval during a time period when the user does not wish to be disturbed by telephone calls. The device provides a cord with attached modular plug for connecting the device to a telephone line, and a cord with modular jack for connecting a telephone to the device. A quartz-controlled clock provides the timing function, with a selector knob on the top external surface of the housing for choosing the number of hours that one wishes to have his telephone remain silent. The same knob can be used to instantly abort a period of telephone silence, or make the telephone operational for a few moments or minutes and then return to the period of telephone silence. The user can see by a glance at the device whether his telephone is in the on or off mode, this possible because of indicator lights on the device.

Abstract: In a device for error locating and/or in-service monitoring for communication transmission equipment comprising a call unit (7, 8) that exchanges information with processor units (6) and wherein the processor units (6) are provided with addresses, a data bus (9, 9A...9H) that connects the telemetry channels of a plurality of transmission links (4; 4a...4g; 4AB...4EG) to one another is provided at at least one location (A...H).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for restricting a telephone call in a key telephone or a private branch exchange (PBX). In the method, a user can restrict the telephone call by directly installing a telephone call restricting code when the user intends to restrict a toll call or international call according to the class of extension line. According to the method, a memory table for use in setting a code for allowing or denying a telephone call is designated and the user directly installs a telephone call restriction code on the vacant memory of the designated allowing/denying table and a telephone call is easily restricted according to the installed class designation data. Therefore, the improvement makes it possible to freely restrict an international telephone call as well as a toll call without changing the main program on the system even when the telephone call system of a telephone office switchboard is changed.

Abstract: A control signal generator is provided to supply a control signal to a control unit of a telephone set having dial memories. Information stored in a memory in the dial memories is forbidden to be erased, unless the control signal is supplied to the control unit. As a result, important information is protected from erroneous erasing in the dial memory.

Abstract: A telephone set capable of selectively accepting callers and enabling partial recognitions of callers is disclosed, and the telephone set includes: tip and ring terminals; a first analogue switch connected to said tip terminal; a first bridge diode connected to the first analogue switch and the ring terminal; a wave rectifying circuit connected to the first bridge diode; a microprocessor connected to the wave rectifying circuit and the first analogue switch; an EEPROM connected to the microprocessor; a hook switch connected to the microprocessor; a selecting switch connected to the microprocessor; a second bridge diode connected to the tip and ring terminals; a hybrid IC circuit connected to the second bridge diode; a DTMF decoder connected to the hybrid IC circuit and the microprocessor; a power supply means for supplying the required power to the internal circuits; and a second analogue switch and a microphone.

Abstract: Terminal equipment having transmitting and receiving functions for a vehicle radio telephone system has a function thereof limited to one of a plurality of modes depending on the time zone. The equipment is automatically locked when a predetermined period of time expires after the end of a communication. The area wherein a call can be originated on the equipment is limited to one of local, domestic and international areas on the basis of the time zone. A memory has a plurality of addresses each being loaded with a particular telephone number to allow the single equipment to selectively use a plurality of telephone channels, on the basis of the time zone. A plurality of memories each stores a particular speed call number table or a particular unattended telephone message table, so that the tables are selectively used depending on the time zone.

Abstract: A circuit which prevents a telephone or a plurality of telephones from making unauthorized or restricted calls to specific numbers or unspecific groups of numbers. The restricted call numbers may be local or toll call. The circuit is disabled either on a call by call basis, or indefinitely by entering a user defined pass code. The circuit is programmable from any commercially available touch-tone phone. When in the call restriction mode, the circuit detects outgoing calls by detecting and decoding standard `DTMF` burst. Upon detecting the first valid tone, the circuit isolates the user from the central office equipment. The circuit then parses the first and all following DTMF bursts and compares them against preprogrammed internal lists of fixed or relative restricted numbers.

Abstract: Data communication apparatus which dials based on the preregistered telephone numbers, prohibits or allow data communication based on the telephone number data the apparatus includes a memory to memorize the data for judging if data communication is allowed for a telephone number an a control to control dialing based on the result of such judgment.

Abstract: An automatic paging telephone set comprising first and second DTMF transmitters, a mode selector for selecting either a pager number recording mode, a paging mode, or a general communication mode, and a controller for controlling the telephone set according to the mode selected by the mode selector. When the telephone set is in the recording mode, the pager number data is stored into the memory of the controller. When the telephone set is in the paging mode, the controller stores the caller's telephone number into the memory thereof, and then transmts the pager number and the caller's telephone number to the paging system subscriber.

Abstract: A timing circuit and apparatus that utilizes this circuit. The apparatus is particularly suited for use with a telephone network interface, for substantially preventing a third party who gains access to the interface from placing an unauthorized telephone call through a network connection obtained through a jack, typically modular, located in a customer portion of the interface. Specifically, this apparatus is connected in series within the telephone company side of the interface to illustratively a ring lead of an incoming subscriber loop. In operation, the apparatus provides network access, by supplying loop current, on a timed periodic (repetitive) basis to a telephone (or other equipment through which a telephone call can be placed) plugged into the jack located within the network interface. Access is provided for a period of time that is sufficient to test loop current but is insufficient to allow the network to complete a call dialed from that telephone over this loop.

Abstract: An interactive, specialized dialing system for local control of access to a telephone line and for providing encoded information relative to an account of a user. The system includes a memory for storing program instructions, a microprocessor for directing requests for program instructions from the memory means and for responding to instructions stored in the memory for generating command signals, an interface device for interfacing with a standard telephone line, a transceiver for receiving encoded signals in standard form from the line and for decoding the signals and supplying the decoded signals to the microprocessor and also responsive to command signals from the microprocessor, for providing encoded signals in standard form to the interface device for transmission on the telephone line. The system is adapted to be interrogated by a user employing a handset coupled to the telephone line.

Abstract: A telephone call security system uses a long distance carrier access switch to prevent unauthorized access to the carrier by causing the switch control system to request a telephone identification serial number from the telephone and deny access if the serial number is not valid or if the number dialed is not an authorized number for the telephone whose serial number has been received. In addition, the system uses a coded query/response dialogue between the telephone and the switch control system for added security. The system may be implemented by modifying the carrier access switch control software and also includes a unique telephone and telephone resident control software.