Abstract: An access and test apparatus for subscriber and central office cable pairs connected to associated socket pairs in a main frame in which the apparatus includes a body member and pairs of connecting terminals extending from the body member for receipt in the socket pairs and first and second switch means in the body member for selectively interconnecting the connecting terminals and, therefore, sockets and cable pairs to first and second access terminals, as well as to selectively provide short circuit and open circuit conditions to the connecting terminals and, hence, sockets and cable pairs.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring apparatus which is used to continuously monitor the telephone line and provide both a visual signal and an auditory signal if the line becomes inoperative. The circuit is designed to be plugged into a conventional telephone jack and monitor the line voltage so that if the line voltage falls below about 6 volts DC or if the line is short circuited or becomes disconnected, the telephone line monitoring apparatus will cause a light emitting diode to flash on and off and further will cause an auditory sounder to emit an audible signal. The light emitting diode is a self-flashing type which serves to modulate the auditory signal.

Abstract: A telephone test instrument permits voice communications with and monitoring of a telephone circuit to be tested. The instrument includes a microprocessor used in controlling various functions of the instrument. The microprocessor and other circuits of the instrument are energized from a connected telephone circuit and/or an internal energy supply which is automatically recharged from the telephone circuit. The microprocessor continually checks the voltage of the internal energy supply and automatically turns off a loudspeaker of the instrument, or prevents it from being turned on, if the voltage is too low. The instrument includes circuitry which, in combination with the microprocessor, measures loop current or line voltage while the instrument is connected for making voice communications with the telephone circuit. When the loudspeaker within the instrument is energized, the earpiece receiver remains active.

Abstract: A telephone line card tester operates by transmitting test data to the digital port of a telephone line interface card, and by subsequently receiving the data which is transmitted from this card through the same digital port. Once received, the data pattern is compared with an expected data pattern. A difference between the received data and the expected data is indicative of a defect in the telephone line interface card. To meet telephone line interface card timing consideration, the transmission of data to the interface card and the analysis of data received from the card are performed by separate subsystems. To accomplish this task, the telephone line interface card is tested in a test fixture which includes a digital line interface card tester, and a communications test set. The communications test set is used for such functions as ring generation and line simulation.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for selectively accessing and testing a digital telecommunications circuit (1) without detriment to the integrity of a signal carried thereby. The arrangement comprises an access unit (10) inserted in the circuit (1) to be tested, and test equipment (11) connected to the access unit (10) and through which the circuit to be tested can be selectively routed. The test equipment (11) includes a shift register (24) in its test circuit path. In order to match the delay introduced by the shift register (24) in the test circuit path, a similar clocked delay (21) is included in the access unit in the route followed by the telecommunications circuit (1) when undiverted. This delay matching avoids signal loss or repetition when switching the circuit to be tested between its undiverted and diverted paths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing voltage arresters and current shunting circuits within a telephone circuit protector are described. A typical protector tested by the apparatus and method includes two voltage arresters and two current limiting circuits. One set of a voltage arrester and a current limiting circuit are tested for voltage breakdown, continuity and ground faults by actuation of a single test operating switch. The other voltage arrester and current limiting circuit are then selected and tested by a single actuation of the test operating switch. Breakdown voltage, continuity, ground fault and low battery visual indicators are provided.

Abstract: Test apparatus for signalling systems having plural terminal units (26X) and line-pair connections (24X) therefor, comprises off-line test equipment (10) for parameters or conditions of said connections (24X), and connection means (30) of or for the test equipment (10) relative to said system. The connection means (30) comprising plural connectors (32X, 34X) as inputs for a number of said connections (24X) to said terminal units and multi-way switch means (40X) affording selection of said inputs (32X) one at a time for communication with other facilities of said off-line test equipment (10).

Abstract: Apparatus used for local simulation of a metallic pair of 22 Gauge conductors, such as comprising a telephone line, 6.5 miles in length at 70 degrees Fahrenheit consisting of a resistance network. This apparatus is useful for fault identification of telephone line amplifiers, allowing for local activation when used in conjunction with milliampere test meters, in lieu of a technician's required travel to a minimum of 6 miles to perform the same task. This apparatus is useful in that it allows for function testing of typical line amplifiers at the source of the metallic pair.

Abstract: A telephone line monitoring apparatus which is used to continuously monitor the telephone line and provide both a visual signal and an auditory signal if the line becomes inoperative. The circuit is designed to be plugged into a conventional telephone jack and monitor the line voltage so that if the line voltage falls below about 6 volts DC or if the line is short circuited or becomes disconnected, the telephone line monitoring apparatus will cause a light emitting diode to flash on and off and further will cause an auditory sounder to emit an audible signal. The light emitting diode is a self-flashing type which serves to modulate the auditory signal.

Abstract: To permit checking or testing the condition of a network which may carry integrated services digital, the test apparatus includes a switch which has gauged switch terminals (S, U) to operate the apparatus in selective modes. The apparatus, further, includes a local battery and a protective network (C5, 12, D1, D2, K, TF, I, II) included in circuit with test terminals (P+, P-). The switch connects the audio frequency generator to the test terminals, to the local battery, and to the local audio tone reproducer for continuity testing; if the protective circuit includes a transformer, a-c is prevented from reaching the network. In another mode, to test transmission of audio frequency through the test terminals into the network, the switch connects the audio frequency generator to the test terminals and to the local battery, to energize the audio frequency generator.

Abstract: A pair of unused telephone lines are connected together at a telephone office main frame by a device which is removably plugged in the main frame to connect a diode between said lines. At a point remote from the central office a testing circuit, which comprises a battery in series with a tone emitter, is releasably connected across the lines first with one polarity with respect to the lines, and then with the opposite polarity. If a tone is emitted for only one connection but not the other, the lines should be in working order.

Abstract: Corruption of communication signals on a telephone line by the direct (low impedance) interfacing of test equiupment to the line is precluded by a protective interlock circuit, which prevents the test set from seizing the line if data traffic is present. The interlock circuit is coupled between the line circuit to be accessed and the test equipment, and includes a multiple band frequency detector, which monitors the line for signals lying within (in and out-of-audio) frequency bands. Should the detector identify any traffic within its sensitivity range (out of the audio band) during the interval of a timing pulse produced by the closure of a switch, the logic level applied to combinational logic will change state and prevent the generation of a test set enabling signal. The test set enabling signal is normally coupled to a `line-seize` transistor circuit within the test set, so that, without this enabling signal, the test set is effectively locked-out from the line and data cannot be corrupted.

Abstract: First and second telephone handsets or headsets are used to form a continuity test set providing voice communication. The telephone handsets are modified to connect the transmitter and receiver elements in series with test leads and current-limiting resistors. Connectors are provided at the ends of the test leads, and one of said handsets is provided with a battery to establish a loop current. LEDs are disposed in selected test leads to provide a visual indication of the flow of loop current, which is established when the connectors are attached to common conductors at the remote ends of a multi-conductor cable or conduit.

Abstract: An improved craft technician's field terminal of the portable, hand-held type for use in communicating in diverse modes with a central technician access network. The terminal is connected to the telephone line in conventional manner in communication with the telephone access network; however, the terminal includes a SMART DIAL program that determines the type of service of the seized subscriber line thereby to facilitate out-dialing from the terminal. Job data can then be transmitted from the central network and downloaded to the terminal for instantaneous display. Re-transmission can be requested if needed. The terminal is capable of uploading data from the terminal display in either DTMF and/or ASCII to the central network. The craft technician's terminal contains a much greater storage capacity than any similar devices heretofore and it is capable of holding job order and response data for what amounts to greater than a full days technician work.

Abstract: A telephone line test apparatus is provided for determining the operational status of a telephone line. The apparatus has a cylindrical and compact housing structure, a light emitting diode, a resistor, an electrical interface, and an elongated cable with a terminal modular connector. The electrical interface is disposed within the housing structure and connects the light emitting diode and the resistor in series. The modular connector is communicatively connected to the electrical interface and flexible extends from the housing structure for easy and reliable use. The light emitting diode is a tri-state LED which indicates the presence of D.C. voltage and polarity, as well as A.C. voltage.

Abstract: A compact, unitary test device for use with telephone line conductors connected to customer premises telephone equipment comprises a first test circuit for terminating the conductors of the telephone line and for measuring current therein. The device also comprises a second test circuit for measuring current in the line conductors in series with the customer premises equipment during operation. A third test circuit provides a tone signal of a predetermined frequency to the line conductors. The test device has a switch set, a current measurement section, a resistance section, a tone generator and a power source. Further provided is a method of testing a telephone loop by measuring loop current level from a terminated position and in series with operative customer premises equipment. A tone signal is generated at a first predetermined point on the line conductors for reception at a second predetermined point.

Abstract: A battery powered, hand-held signal generator adapted to be connected to home or business telephone line at the interface between the telephone company wiring or the home or business wiring. The signal generator successively applies a uniquely coded pulsed signal to each wire of the line. The invention further includes a hand-held receiver adapted to be plugged into each modular telephone jack of the home or business line. The receiver contains four separate receiving circuits, one of which is connected to each wire of the line. Each receiving circuit includes a visual indicator such as an LED for visually indicating reception of a pulsed signal through that wire. By monitoring the reception of pulses over each wire, the user of the device can determine if each of the wires is properly connected. Reception of the wrong code on a given wire indicates a cross connection with the wire on which the received code is transmitted. Reception of the same code on more than one wire indicates a short between the wires.

Abstract: The functionality of the keypad of a telephone test set is augmented by an interface circuit arrangement which enables keys of the keypad to be used to control both dialing signal generation and prescribed test functions, while effectively preventing interference between the operation of a dialing signal generator, to which the keypad is coupled during a first mode of operation, and that of test function signal generator circuitry, provided exclusive of the dialing signal generator, during a second mode of operation. Additionally, the test set includes a ringing signal coupling circuit for enabling the test set microphone, through which a telephone craftsperson voices audio speech signals to a speech signal processing circuit, to be used to audiblize the ringing signal, without impacting the normal voice input functionality of the microphone and associated speech signal processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for remote disconnection and short-circuiting of a pair of conductors, such as those comprising a telephone line, consists of a switching unit and a probe unit. The switching unit is capable of generating a tone and the tone may be sent down the pair of conductors, where the probe unit is used to identify the pair. The probe unit is also able to send bursts of a signal along the pair, upon receipt of which the switching unit switches sequentially from a first mode (when the tone is applied to the conductors) to a second-mode (where the conductors are disconnected) to a third mode (where the conductors are short circuit). The apparatus is useful in line fault location and telephone apparatus installation.

Abstract: The central unit (14) comprises a distortion sampler (16) including a spectral sound analyzer and a memory for recording the digital data of at least one reference sound. The central unit by means of the analyzer analyzes a sequence of such sounds which are received by way of the telephone line (11, 13) and makes a comparison with the recorded data. It thus produces a measurement of the frequency response of the transmission, that is to say distortion and attenuation introduced by the telephone connection, in accordance with the various frequencies. The data of that measurement are used by the central unit (14) to compensate for the signals which are successively received by way of the activated telephone connection. The system comprises a portable acoustic device (35) in which the digital data of the reference sound are recorded.

Abstract: A testing device for determining, in an automobile electrical system, the integrity and continuity of the power input circuitry to a mobile telephone installation, comprises a pair of body sections that are joined to form a hollow interior region. Electrical contact pins are mounted in bores through an interior wall integral with one of the body sections. The contact pins are arranged to contact terminals, connected to the battery, ignition, and ground circuits of the automobile electrical system, at the junction between the electrical system and the telephone installation. The battery and ignition pins are connected to the input node of a red and a yellow LED, respectively. The output nodes of the LEDs are spliced together and connected to the ground pin. The LEDs are press-fit into an opening through a grommet. The grommet is press-fit and sealed onto the open end of one of the body sections.

Abstract: A hand-held telephone line signaling test instrument is described which provides test and timing measurment for telephone lines employing DID, DOD and POTS trunk lines. The hand-held instrument is capable of sourcing wink-start reverse battery protocol and DTMF, dial pulse or MF dial codes for testing a DID trunk. The device also incorporates a termination impedance and dial code receivers for DTMF, dial pulse and MF dialing codes. Analysis and comparison of the timing and measurements is performed by an internal microprocessor-based system with the results of the measurements displayed on an LCD alphanumeric display.

Abstract: A portable cable identifier and tester assembly for a four line token ring network type cable, including a first unit having a power supply and connector mateable to one end of the cable and a second unit mateable to ends of potentially matching cables to provide a signal indicating cable identification. Jumpers are provided in each of the units to ensure that the test signal current is routed through all four wires and connectors. Shorting bars between cable lines in unmated connectors, and spurious personal computer supply voltages, do not inhibit cable identification. User ease and self-test are inherent features.

Abstract: An improved craft technician's field terminal of the portable, hand-held type for use in communicating in diverse modes with a central technician access network. The terminal is connected to the telephone line in conventional manner in communication with the telephone access network. Job data can then be transmitted from the central network and downloaded to the terminal for instantaneous display. Re-transmission can be requested if needed. The terminal is capable of uploading data from the terminal display in either DTMF and/or ASCII to the central network. The craft technician's terminal contains a much greater storage capacity than any similar devices heretofore and it is capable of holding job order and response data for what amounts to greater than a full days technician work. In addition, data displayed at the terminal may readily be transmitted for printer access while still being retained in the terminal storage.

Abstract: An equipment testing device facilitates the testing of telephone communications systems having a number of predetermined test terminals. The equipment testing device includes a housing with a plurality of electrodes mounted on the housing. Means are provided for connecting the electrodes to the predetermined test terminals and for correlating the electrodes and the test terminals so that a selected electrode is an extension of a selected test terminal.

Abstract: A portable tester determines an operating condition of coin relays by sensing a duration of a time period between flux conditions generated thereby. The device does not require electrical circuit connection to the relay and is thus a non-invasive testing apparatus. An annunciator provides audible and visual indications to service personnel to indicate whether the detected duration is too short, requiring one form of adjustment, too long, requiring a second form of adjustment, or within a specified range therefor, requiring no adjustment.

Abstract: A telephone line test and display circuit for enabling a craftsperson to automatically monitor a plurality of communication aspects of a telephone line without impacting any communications that may be taking place over the telephone line being monitored includes a communication capability detection and indicator unit through which the craftsperson may observe the DC operational state (busy/idle, battery polarity, talk battery present) condition of the line by observing a pair of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are color-coded in accordance with operational status conditions being monitored and are illuminated in either a steady state or flashing condition, depending upon the DC state of the line. Also contained with the test and display circuit is a frequency discriminator/display unit, having a set of light emitting diodes separate from those employed for monitoring the DC operational status of the telephone line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unitary and hand held four conductor test apparatus that is designed to provide signaling operation tests on new or existing telecommunication special service circuits. The apparatus is comprised of circuitry which interconnects LEDs, a switching element and connection terminals. The apparatus terminates PBX dial tie trunk or special service circuit signaling leads at a designated "demarcation point" and it is designed to exercise or manipulate the special service circuit's associated line equipment for testing.

Abstract: A telephone station test set performs voltage and polarity checks on four and six wire systems. Both four and six wire jacks are provided which are coupled to LED networks. A switch is provided so that both "intercom" and "data" pairs of a six wire system can be tested by the same LED networks.

Abstract: An improved telephone test unit is disclosed which permits the telephone line technician to selectively choose the audio reproduction of signals ocurring on the line without the use of the handset in the test unit. An auxiliary amplifier is provided to amplify the signals which are received from the telphone line. When the amplifier is activated, the transmitting unit and receiving unit of the handset within the telephone test unit are electronically muted to prevent undesirable audio feedback to the amplifier. The gain of the amplifier may be selectively varied between an off, low and a high gain condition. The amplifier is also usable in the "monitor" condition of the telephone test unit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has two contact areas on each surface near one end. The board is sandwiched between two halves of a shell to form a plug in such a way that the contact areas are exposed. The contact areas on one surface are nearer the exposed end than the contact areas on the other. The tip and ring conductors of a pair of wires in a test cord are connected, respectively, with the two contact areas which are nearer the exposed end. A keeper spring which is connected to the shield of the jumper cable, the ground potential, insures that the plug will be retained within a jack into which the plug is inserted by engaging a detent. The detent is connected to ground potential. The jack has two long electrical contacts and two short electrical contacts. The long electrical contacts engage the two contact areas which are farther away from the exposed end and the two short electrical contacts engage the nearer contact areas.