Abstract: An article dispenser accumulates and dispenses a required correct number of articles from a supply of loose articles to complete a work operation. The articles are picked one at a time from the supply of articles and deposited on a pivotal chute for collection in a ladle at an outlet of the chute. When the correct number of articles are deposited in the chute, the chute pivots from a first article accumulation position to a second position allowing removal of the articles from the ladle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network. The method includes, at a signaling node that includes at least one processor: receiving a first signaling message that includes a toll-free called party number, where the first signaling message is one of a non-TCAP call setup message, a mobility management query, a number portability (NP) query, and an E.164 number (ENUM) query; determining a directory number associated with the toll-free called party number; and sending the first signaling message or a second signaling message, the sent message including at least one of the directory number and routing information associated with the directory number.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module, and a second communication module. The first communication module may receive a first type of communication signal (e.g. a mobile telephone signal) and convert it into a second-type of communication signal (e.g., a millimeter wave radio signal). The first type of communication signal may be a mobile telephone signal from a first fire fighter's mobile telephone who is located outside of the building. The first communication module may transmit the second-type of communication signal to the second communication module.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing toll-free service in a telecommunications network. The method includes, at a signaling node that includes at least one processor: receiving a first signaling message that includes a toll-free called party number, where the first signaling message is one of a non-TCAP call setup message, a mobility management query, a number portability (NP) query, and an E.164 number (ENUM) query; determining a directory number associated with the toll-free called party number; and sending the first signaling message or a second signaling message, the sent message including at least one of the directory number and routing information associated with the directory number.

Abstract: A device for requesting emergency assistance having a built-in panic button that may be implemented in hardware or software. The device may be in a wearable configuration so that the user in need of emergency help can carry the device on the user's person, or the device may be located at a fixed location accessible by the user. Activation of the panic button by the user results in the device automatically transmitting one or more TCP/IP messages over the Internet to an emergency service center requesting emergency help and identifying the user requesting such help. The emergency service center may also communicate, e.g., via Internet e-mail, with the device (and, hence, with the user) prior to dispatching emergency help. The resources of the Internet may thus be advantageously harnessed to allow users to request emergency help using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: An information supply apparatus is provided which includes an Information Provider and a Service Provider at a remote location. Information, stored in the Information Provider, is supplied via a communication line with caller or user name identification and the Service Provider to a calling terminal located at a user location. A dialing device dials the Service Provider at the remote location.

Abstract: An interface (10) is disclosed for coupling a conventional pay station telephone (12) to a telephone switching system (16). The interface (10) provides supervision signal detection functions normally provided by a switching system, and thus can be connected thereto by a less costly business line (28). The interface includes processor controlled tone generators (72, 76) and detectors (73, 74, 81, 106, 108) for detecting tones and voltages transmitted by either the telephone (12) or the switching system (16). The interface (10) further includes a detector (106) and a procedure (FIG. 8) for providing an answer call indication. Coin collection or return is controlled by the interface (10) depending on the status of the call which is also determined by the interface (10).

Abstract: Control equipment employed in a customer-owned public telephone station prevents a user from making unauthorized telephone calls in a telephone system. Operating under the control of a computer in the station, the control equipment employs a call screening process which restricts the telephone numbers a user can dial to those numbers preselected by a station owner. The telephone numbers are categorized in multiple but distinct groups, each of which represents a specific class of telephone call. The control equipment is responsive to momentary loop breaks occurring on tip and ring lines connecting the station to a central office, and to a loop break provided by the central office which reflects that the far end party has disconnected. The control equipment is also responsive to scheduled as well as unscheduled receipt of dial tone.

Abstract: A public telephone set that processes call charge information is provided. The set includes a register for holding a pre-determined number of digits of the dialed number and a memory in which dial control codes corresponding to the predetermined number of digits are stored in advance. Depending upon the telephone number that is dialed, a memory location is directly addressed to obtain a control code. The control code specifies a memory location in which charging information such as a charge or time increment is stored. This information is then processed to determine the appropriate charge for the number dialed.

Abstract: A toll telephone coupled to tip and ring conductors of a toll trunk and through which various toll signals flow between a central office and the telephone (such as a coin ground signal to indicate the presence of the coin) has a hook switch with an off-hook condition for instituting the flow of loop current. To allow local, coin-free calls, the telephone has electronic circuitry for applying a simulated coin ground signal to the tip conductor continuously during the off-hook condition to permit coin-free calls to be made from the toll telephone. Additionally, the telephone includes a single relay system for providing an open-loop coin check responsive to a corresponding signal from the central office. The telephone provides a notch filter for discriminating against one of the multiple frequencies of a bong tone, thus allowing the remaining frequency to be detected.

Abstract: A coin receiving prepay telephone station for local calls includes a telephone receiver and transmitter with a handset and a supporting hook switch cradle therefor. The station further includes a coin chute having an open end for receiving a coin and a lower end for discharging coins into a coin box. A solenoid controlled arm is movable transversely into and out of the coin chute adjacent a level near the open end for normally retaining a coin deposited in the chute in a partially exposed retrievable position permitting manual extraction from the chute if a call dialed from the station is not answered. Circuitry is provided for activating the solenoid controlled arm to move out of the coin chute permitting the coin previously retained therein to drop into the coin box when a called party answers a call of over three digits dialed at the station.