Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the transmission quality of a telephone line, for example, a telephone line connected between two voice processing systems. The apparatus includes means for generating a predetermined sequence of DTMF pulses having predetermined amplitude values and for transmitting them over a telephone line; means for receiving DTMF pulses from a telephone line and determining the value of each pulse; means for counting the number of received DTMF pulses; and means for comparing the number with a predetermined threshold value, whereby the telephone line is determined to have acceptable transmission quality if the number exceeds the predetermined threshold value. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the predetermined sequence of DTMF pulses comprises four groups of ten (10) DTMF pulses, each of which groups has succeedingly lower amplitude.

Abstract: A call processing monitor method and apparatus for dynamically verifying the operation of a telephone switching center having a plurality of originating lines and a plurality of terminating lines. This verification is accomplished by a telephone line pair being randomly selected and tested for the basic telephone functions. In particular, the line pair is monitored for sending and receiving a test tone in both call directions through the switching center.

Abstract: A direct access test unit for enabling a craftsperson at a telephone facility remote with respect to a central office to test subscriber lines comprises a first access port coupled to an access line circuit, by way of which the remote telephone facility communicates with the telephone office in the course of testing subscriber lines, and a second access port coupled to a test trunk circuit by way of which a subscriber line is to be tested by the test unit.

Abstract: Telephone network interface apparatus for interconnecting a plurality of incoming telephone lines to a plurality of subscriber premises lines and for providing demarcation points therebetween including a multi-line interface plug provided with a plurality of conductors interconnecting the multi-line interface plug with a plurality of subscriber terminals, a multi-line interface jack mounted on a base and provided with a movable member movable into a plurality of different positions, with the movable member in one of the positions and the multi-line interface plug inserted in the multi-line interface jack, all of the plurality of subscriber lines are interconnected with all the incoming telephone lines, and with the multi-line plug removed, a demarcation point provided between one of the subscriber premises lines and one of the incoming telephone lines facilitating a determination of where a fault exists with respect to the one line and with the movable member positioned in another of the positions, a second d

Abstract: A telephone line quality testing system detects line echoes in the telephone connection between two subsystems in a message transmission system. The test for line echoes is performed while the two subsystems exchange identification data by transmitting DTMF signals in a predefined sequence. Each subsystem transmits a marker at the beginning of each DTMF transmission. This marker is constructed so that it can be distinguished, with absolute certainty, from any possible echo of the previous DTMF transmission by the other subsystem. In general, the marker includes at least one DTMF signal selected from the set of DTMF signals not included in the last X DTMF signals sent by the other subsystem. Each subsystem also generates an "Expected marker" that should precede the next DTMF transmission by the other subsystem. When receiving a DTMF transmission, each subsystem compares the initial DTMF signals received with the expected marker.

Abstract: Telephone trunk line testing circuitry for connection to a private branch exchange (PBX) and the telephone trunk lines for the PBX including a microcomputer unit (MCU), switching circuitry, a DTMF receiver, and a tone generator for connecting one of the trunk lines as a control trunk for the circuitry. Under the control of the MCU programmed to respond to DTMF various signal commands sent from a telephone at the far end of the control trunk the circuitry operates to selectively disconnect (isolating) one of the other trunks at a time from the PBX and connect it to the circuitry with the circuitry configured under control of the MCU for completing various test involving the trunk under test (TUT), control trunk, switching circuitry and the tone generator, including the supply of tone signals from the tone generator during some of the test configurations.

Abstract: An improved remote test access system (100) for remotely testing an accessed telephone line (T/R) with any conventional telephone test set (102) without introducing any errors or hits to the line (T/R), uses a fixed reference delay (110, 112) which is always in the signal path and a variable delay (120, 122) which is in the test path and is varied so that the sum of the variable delay (120, 122) and the test set (102) delay equals the fixed reference delay (110, 112).

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: A telephone ringback apparatus includes a microprocessor-controlled communications device which is connectable with telephone equipment contained in a central office, such as a toll trunk facility, having the capability of identifying the number of a calling party. In response to the telephone user dialing a prescribed ringback access code, the apparatus signals the toll trunk facility causing it to transmit a message representative of the number of the telephone from which the user is calling. Upon receipt of this message the telephone number of the calling party is stored. A synthesized voice message is transmitted to the user instructing the user to hang-up. When the apparatus detects that the phone has been placed back on-hook, it proceeds to transmit dialing signals containing the previously stored number of the telephone, causing the calling party's telephone to ring.

Abstract: An improved trunk identification system for identifying an inbound trunk line selected by a telephone company routing system upon completion of a test routine by associated test equipment. The improved trunk identification system provides for multiplexed use of dual-tone multi-frequency receivers and decoders so as to ensure reliable and economical detection of a specified DTMF tone used to signal the completion of a test routine.

Abstract: The device is inserted at the jack between the tip-ring signals of a telephone company's line and the customer's telephone lines and equipment to isolate the location of telephone problems. A first tri-color light emitting diode shows either "off" or "green" when a problem is detected, "red" if a telephone company line reversal exists, or "yellow" upon detection of a ring generator signal. When problems are detected, a switch is manually positioned to connect a second tri-color LED between the tip and ring signals while disconnecting the first tri-color LED and the telephone equipment. If the second tri-color LED is "off" then there is no dial tone; if it is "green" then the tip-ring signal lines are reversed; if it is "red" then the problem is within customer-owned telephone equipment. A battery test of the tri-color LED's is optionally incorporated. A variant test device connected at a RJ21 jack for testing ground start telephone trunk lines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiline telephone test receptacle for allowing testing of more than one telephone line connected to the receptacle in a convenient manner, for example, with a single line telephone set, without requiring special connections. In one embodiment, a movable member having an opening which is positionable in two positions over a telephone jack cavity allows contacts of a telephone plug to engage different ones of the telephone lines connected to the jack in the two positions, thus providing a convenient means for testing the two lines. In another embodiment, the contacts of the telephone jack cavity are disposed on a movable member and the opening is fixed. The telephone test receptacle can be expanded to allow testing of more than two lines.

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: An apparatus for accessing and testing communication systems and for controlling said accessing and testing. A microprocessor operates under software control to perform various supervisory and computational functions. Communications components permit the microprocessor to interface with components dedicated to the accessing and testing of telephone lines as well as with terminals and other computers.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for checking the operability of eight conductors simultaneously including four pair cable which may be connected to any of several types of electronic or electromechanical telephone systems. The apparatus is connected directly to the cable by utilizing a modular four pair jack and plug. Said apparatus may be used by connecting directly to a phone system and observing LED illuminations configured by operating any one of four switches individually or simultaneously. In addition, pre-service wiring can be tested by using shorting plugs or LED shorting plugs on the opposite end of the cable that is connected to the test apparatus. The tests and methods will indicate opens, shorts, polarity reversals and wire transposition by LED illuminations and warble tone which is generated out over the cable pair. This test apparatus is compatible with most existing telephone systems, from the oldest key system to the latest electronic PBX switches. The device is self powered by a nine volt battery.

Abstract: A serial network architecture is presented which can be used to link user oriented devices together. Network devices are linked together in serial fashion. If data is transmitted serially, an interface between two devices requires only two wires. Additionally, a wire for power and a wire for ground may be added so that each individual network device does not need to have its own power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing a predetermined tone signal transmitted on a transmission line, such as a telephone transmission line, and for generating a signal indicating the presence of the tone signal. The apparatus comprises a tone detector circuit including an amplifier, bandpass filter and comparator, a power supply for generating power for the detector circuit from a voltage present on the transmission line and logic circuitry for gating pulses of power from the power supply to the detector circuit on a periodic basis thereby to enable the detector circuit to check for the presence of the tone signal during the durations of the power pulses.

Abstract: An improved telephone test set is disclosed which may be operated with low voltage line conditions. Transmitting and receiving voice communication circuits are connected in parallel with leads which are adapted to be connected to the tip and ring lines of a subscriber's telephone line to isolate the voice transmitting and receiving circuits from the voltage drop of a polarity guarding bridge which is connected to the signalling circuits of the telephone test set. A polarity indicating circuit to indicate the direction of current flow between the tip and ring lines of a subscriber's telephone line is connected in series with the voice transmitting and receiving circuits.

Abstract: An improved two-line adapter having a pair of hold circuits for respectively placing first and second subscriber telephone lines on hold is disclosed. The individual circuits for placing the subscriber lines on hold include a circuit for continuously indicating the direction of current flow between the tip and ring lines of the individual subscriber lines to which the individual holding circuits are attached which simplifies placing conference calls between the two subscribers' lines and a telephone test set.

Abstract: A direct access test unit for testing subscriber lines is located in the central office and is accessable from a remote location through a standard ground start line circuit. The field technician involved in a troubleshooting problem dials the number of the ground start line circuit followed by a security code to gain access to the test unit which then returns dial tone. Dialing the number of a subscriber line to be tested provides for access to that line via the test unit and a test trunk connected thereto. Various tests may be performed on the subscriber line thus accessed by dialing a selected digit to identify the test. The test unit provides voice messages to the field technician to instruct in the use of the test unit and explain the available test operations and how they may be initiated.

Abstract: In a digital signal cross-connection system, the functions of the cross-connection of equipments and the access to those equipments for testing purposes are separated. The jacksets utilized for testing access are removed from the cross-connection bays and are considerably fewer in number than the terminations on the cross-connection bays. A concentrator switch is interposed between the jacksets and the cross-connection bays so that access is provided to the transmit and receive leads to the cross-connection bays only on an as needed basis, the concentrator switch also providing a control function for disconnecting the digital equipments from the cross-connection bays.

Abstract: A system for providing remote services and maintenance functions includes a voice subsystem adapted to receive voice and DTMF signals that can be used to control the execution of a plurality of service and maintenance tests. The system also includes a programmed control subsystem that provides voice based response and conveyance of results of such maintenance services and tests to field personnel.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the cost and out of service time in repairing defective wire pairs in telephone networks. The device comprises a cable having metal prongs on each end which correspond to the receptacles on the protector block which is located on the vertical component of the central office distributing frame. The device is used to connect the receptacles on the protector block that are connected to a new functioning pair of field wires to the receptacles on the protector block of the office wires of the nonfunctioning old pair of wires. Thus, restoring service to a customer through a new wire pair until permanent wiring can be installed on the horizontal component of the central office distributing frame.

Abstract: In a subscriber line radio concentration system for concentrating a plurality of subscriber terminal stations through radio channels to a master station, at least one of the subscriber terminal stations comprises an automatic response equipment. The automatic response equipment can automatically respond to a continuous ringing signal from the master station, thereby enabling a loop back test to be carried out automatically without the necessity of the attendance at the subscriber station of maintenance or other personnel.