Abstract: Disclosed is a cross point mixer including a cross point switch and a mixing circuit provided on the output side. The cross point switch includes n.times.m switches arranged in a matrix manner. Each of the switches corresponds to one of a plurality of n input terminals receiving signals, and corresponds to one of a plurality of m output terminals outputting signals. When on, each of the switches forms a signal transmission path which connects a corresponding input terminal with a corresponding output terminal. The mixing circuit provided on the output side receives signals from the n switches correspondingly associated with the output terminal, and subjects the signals to mixing for output to the output terminal.

Abstract: A locator aid for identifying and permitting the actuation of the number "9" and "1" keys of a rotary or touch telephone keyboard. Each locator includes a base which is fixedly positioned with respect to the telephone, an elongated guide strip, and an intermediate hinge connection between the base and the guide strip. Each base is positioned with respect to the telephone so its guide strip will lie in spaced relation to a finger hole of a rotary dial or in overlying relation to one of the keys of a keyboard. In a preferred construction the locator is constructed of a die cut plastic strip and includes multiple, bendable hinge joints and an adhesive fastener, which permits selective attachment of the locator to a phone body. In other constructions, the locator is integrally molded as an selectively attachable member or is molded as part of the keyboard.

Abstract: A communication terminal device including a first switch provided between a button and an intermediate member, and a second switch provided below the intermediate member such that when the button is depressed, both the first and second switches are surely switched on. Both the switches are electrically insulated from each other. Wiring is made such that one of those switches may operate a telephone circuit connected directly to a telephone line while the other switch may operate a main communication unit operating with a commercial power source. Even when the commercial power source is interrupted due to a power stoppage, at least the telephone circuit is operable, so that the terminal device is capable of fulfilling at least the function of a telephone set and ensuring insulation between the telephone unit and the main communication unit.

Abstract: The invention comprises a telephone answering device in which a microprocessor controller is coupled to all of the peripheral components through a single common multi-bit data/instruction bus and each peripheral component is coupled to the data bus through a latch which is enabled responsive to an enable instruction placed on a port of the controller.

Abstract: A telephone terminal provides display screens of information messages which are selectively arranged to be time-specific in accordance with the complexity content of the information in each message. The amount of text in an information message, the complexity of words in the message and whether any user action should follow the text presented in the message are factors used in optimizing the duration of the display screens for the messages timed specific to their content. A plurality of user selectable options for the duration of the display screens also are available. These selectable options alter the duration time of all the display screens as a set. Within each selected set the variable time accorded each display screen, in accordance with the time-specfic information messages, provides for optimum viewing of each message by a user of the telephone terminal.

Abstract: A software driven, timing dependant method for entering alphanumerical characters using a conventional push button telephone system having automatic response functions is based upon the position (first, second or third) of each alphabetic letter upon each key of the standardized telephone keypad matrix. DTMF signals are generated following the pressing of a key to identify the key pressed and thereby generate a sequential message menu for that particular key. The key is pressed a predetermined number of times (once, twice, or three times) to select the desired letter, and the letter signals are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities. The first, second and third messages on each key each consist of a silence interval segment of known length followed by, respectively, a first, second and third letter interval segment of known length.

Abstract: A telephone dialing method relating each key of an alphabetic keyboard to a numeric digit and a telephone dialing apparatus and alphabetic keyboard device for sending dual-tone-multi-frequency (DTMF) and/or pulse telephone dialing signals over a communication path such as a local loop connecting a subscriber telephone to a switching office via a telephone dialing circuit. The alphabetic keyboard device may be configured according to a conventional typewriter QWERTY keyboard layout and is connectable to a conventional telephone to supplement its 12-key standard keypad, allowing the telephone to be dialed with individual alphabetic letters.

Abstract: A telephone terminal is configurable by a user to contain just those features desired by the user. Although equipped with a full set of available features, the terminal also is initially configured only with a minimum default set of features directly and easily accessible by a user. The user is able to reconfigure the telephone terminal for selectively adding features when he or she desired more capabilities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a standard push button telephone keypad into a data entry terminal permitting full alphanumeric DTMF entry through a telephone system to a file server for delivery to a service provider computer. The alphabetical letters are prearranged to enable single or adjacent keypairs to be defined for each alphabetical letter. DTMF signals are generated by the keypairs and are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities of the central computer for later or simultaneous delivery to a service provider computer such as a facsimile machine, an E-mail system, a paging system, and/or any data base connected to a telephone line.

Abstract: A portable radio telephone set comprises a telephone number generating apparatus and a telephone number transmitting apparatus which are preferably contained in a pencil shaped body. The telephone number generating means generates a telephone number signal, for instance, by sensing the motion of a ball provided on a lower end of the body. The ball is moved to draw a telephone number on a surface of an article. The telephone number signal is modulated in the telephone number transmitting apparatus to be transmitted to air by an antenna which is provided on an upper end of the body.

Abstract: A push-button telephone dialing device for a telephone set has a push-button keypad with a plurality of keys which include a hold function key, and a telephone dialing integrated circuit including a key input signal generator wired to the push-button keypad and producing an appropriate key input signal corresponding to a key pressed on the push-button keypad. The key input signal generator produces a hold function key input signal whenever the hold function key is pressed. The telephone dialing integrated circuit further includes a speech network interrupt circuit which receives the hold function key input signal from the key input signal generator. The speech network interrupt circuit is wired to and controls the operation of a speech network of the telephone set.

Abstract: A dial illuminating assembly allows for minimum power operation while maintaining uniformity of illumination in a telephone dial. The dial illumination assembly includes a plurality of fiber optic light guides for receiving light rays emanating from a light source and for directing these light rays to a plurality of translucent buttons. Illumination of the translucent buttons is achieved by creating multiple abraded surfaces on the light guides for dispersing the light rays in the vicinity of each translucent button. The light guides are routed along opposed sides of the translucent buttons with abraded surfaces on the light guides being positioned next to each button for providing the desired illumination. The dial illuminating assembly directs light rays so efficiently that only one light source is needed to provide uniform illumination in standard telephone dials.

Abstract: A keypad monitor which monitors the condition of a plurality of switches of a keypad is activated in response to receiving clock signals from an external clock source and is deactivated in the absence of the clock signals. The keypad monitor includes a key switch monitor which detects the closure of any one of the keypad switches to provide a first output signal, a clock detector for detecting the absence of the clock signals to provide a second output signal and any key down output logic which is responsive to the first and second output signals for providing an activation signal. The activation signal causes the external clock source to provide the keypad monitor with the clock signals for activating the keypad monitor.

Abstract: A portable telephone set housing having an illuminated switch portion. A flexible printed circuit board having a membrane switch and a liquid crystal display is mounted onto a support base of the telephone set housing. Onto the flexible printed circuit board is placed a key top sheet having a plurality of key tops. A switch panel having a plurality of holes for inserting therein of the key tops is mounted onto the key top sheet. The switch panel includes a transparent resin plate having an ink coating formed on the surface thereof except for a portion corresponding to the position of the display portion. In the membrane switch portion of the flexible printed circuit board, a plurality of light emitting diodes are provided which are adapted to introduce light into the interior of the switch panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dialing apparatus used for a power failure extension telephone set 30 in a key telephone system. The power failure extension telephone set 30 is driven by power supplied from a key service unit 2 so as to function as an extension telephone set when power is supplied to the key service unit 2, but directly connected to an office telephone line 1 so as to function as an individual telephone set when power is not supplied to the key service unit 2. The dialing apparatus comprises a dial switch 31 of single contact-layer structure and a control switch circuit 21 connected to the dial switch 31 and changed over according to the power supply or power failure condition of the key service unit. That is, when power is supplied to the key service unit 2, the control switch circuit 21 connects the dial switch 31 to a control circuit 19.

Abstract: A keypad status reporting system provides an indication over a serial bus as to which switch of a plurality of keypad switches is being selected by an operator wherein each keypad switch is coupled between a respective different pair of row and column conductors. The system generates parallel three-bit row and column addresses, combines the row and column addresses to form a parallel six-bit key code, and converts the key code to serial bits of data and places the serial bits of data onto a multiplexed bus in a predetermined channel.

Abstract: A device for setting and tone dialing a single telephone number includes a telephone number setting device to generate a digital signal corresponding to the binary equivalent of the digits of the telephone number to be set. A tone generator receives the digital signal generated and groups the digital signal into a predetermined number of bit groups. Each of the bit groups corresponds to one of the digits of the telephone number. The bit groups are accessed one at a time and a dual tone multi-frequency signal corresponding to the digit represented by the accessed bit group is generated by the tone generator and is directed to the telephone instrument.

Abstract: An adaptor unit is designed to fit over the touch tone telephone pad of a cellular car phone. The adaptor unit has an electronic voice quality chip module in it so that when push buttons having numbers on them on the adaptor unit corresponding to the numbers on the touch tone pad are pressed, the voice module says the number. The adaptor unit has a built in speaker and battery supply so that it can be snapped over and attached to an existing telephone touch tone pad and does not require any wiring.

Abstract: A telephone terminal base having a front plate holding dialing buttons in a set and a barrier layer behind the plate to protect a printed circuit board from environmental conditions. Ribs are provided on the front plate at each side of the set of buttons to seal against the barrier layer and screws disposed outwardly of the ribs from the set of buttons compress the barrier layer against the ribs to provide a sealing action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering alphanumerical characters into a push button telephone system having automatic response functions. Each alphabetic letter and character is assigned a keypair having a dual tone multifrequency signal which is stored in the memory of the telephone system. The code provides for the conversion of analog voice frequency signals to digital signals. The digital signals may be converted to analog signals to provide voice prompts to the caller. The letters and characters are sequentially arrayed on a matrix overlaying the telephone keypad. Characters are positioned above and between the push buttons so that each character may be separately accessed from adjacent keys. Entry of a keypair requires the sequential pressing of at least one key two times. Sequential operations that require the pressing of two different and adjacent keys may be performed in any sequence.

Abstract: A telephone keyboard structure for making connections through static induction or touch induction control, which includes a key pad and a numbered transparent face plate with a thin slot defined therebetween for insertion therein of a picture, photo, or printed advertising card.

Abstract: Electronic telephone set, comprising a transmission circuit arranged for being coupled to a telecommunication network and for receiving and transmitting speech signals, a keyboard means comprising a first matrix with respective numbers of intersecting first and second conductors and at the intersections of the first and second conductors key switches coupled to the respective first and second conductors for producing dial information and status information and including a second matrix with one intersecting first and second conductor or a plurality thereof respectively, and having setting circuits conducting current in one and the same direction coupled to the respective first and second conductors at selected intersections of the latter first and second conductors, whereas all second conductors of the second matrix are arranged common to those of the first matrix, and including a control circuit arranged for generating dialling signals compatible with the telecommunication network in response to the dialling

Abstract: A telephone having a closure removably covering an operation panel on the body of the telephone, and automatic dialing push buttons arranged on the closure for performing an automatic dialing function. Depression of the push button on the closure becomes effective when the operation panel is covered with the closure. When the push button is depressed in this state, prestored telephone number data is automatically transmitted to telephone lines as dial signals.

Abstract: A small electronic apparatus has a plurality of keys for inputting telephone numbers of communication destination, and when each key is depressed, confirmation sound is generated by a sound generating means. The apparatus is provided with structure for generating signals in combination of signals of multiple frequencies and for supplying it to the sound generating means, thereby the composite signal becomes the input frequency in which the sound generating means indicates good output charactieristics, and when the sound generating means generates sound, distinction of each key can be performed.

Abstract: A telephone instrument housing constructed from a first section (1) and a second section (2), the first. The second section (2) comprises three identical first sub-sections (4,5,6) which are substantially rectangular in plan. The number of first sub-sections is dependent on the dimensions of the first section (1) which is formed in one piece. The first sub-sections (4,5,6) comprise a first part defining a regular array of apertures (22, FIG. 2) suitable for locating an array of pushbuttons (8). The array of apertures (22) extends across the full width of the rectangle so that when two or more subsections are butted together a continuous regular array of apertures extends across the arrangement of first subsections. A cover plate (9) covers locations in which no pushbutton is provided, the cover plate being located by the apertures (22). The first sub-sections also comprise a second part defining a single aperture (14) which extends over a major portion of the second part.

Abstract: A telephone has a first keypad provided with conventionally numbered touch tone keys. A second keypad has a plurality of transparent keys, each provided with a slot for the insertion of a small picture or symbolic representation. Optical fiber may be embedded in each of the transparent keys for illuminating the pictures. The telephone is provided for use with a conventional handset or as a speaker phone. Each of the keys in the second keypad are connected to actuate the speaker phone section of the telephone. The keys of the second keypad are each associated with a memory for the assignment of a telephone number associated with the picture or symbolic representation inserted within the key slot. A large emergency 911 key is also provided. The telephone is designed for use by small children.

Abstract: A telephone keypad assembly including a one-piece deformable membrane for sealing the keypad assembly from the environment. The deformable membrane has an upper surface for mating with keypad pushbuttons and a keypad pushbutton housing unit, and a lower surface including a contact actuator for making contact with electrical switch contacts. The membrane forms raised areas or domes which bias the keypad pushbuttons and biasingly resists movement of the contact actuator toward the electrical contacts. The keypad assembly including switch contacts is protected from moisture, dust and other corrosive elements by the seal formed between the housing unit and the deformable membrane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telephone structure that eliminates the need for fasteners to assemble a keypad and secure the keypad in place in the telephone. This is accomplished by a telephone that comprises a hollow housing (100) having a face portion (120) that includes an array of holes (122) and a keypad assembly (400) that comprises a sandwich of a static shield (430), button member (410), and switch contact member (450). The keypad assembly is assembled on the underside of the housing by means of a locating member (300) which has upstanding collar portions (325) that register in the holes of the face portion and depending pins (328) that register in holes in the members of the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly is held in place by a base member (200) that is joined to the housing and supports a raised pedestal (210) that extends into close proximity with the underside of the face portion and presses the keypad assembly against the face portion (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Described herein is a circulatory operation for entering information into a memory of a telephone device. The operation consists of alphabetical and numeric co-characters, which may be selectively entered into a memory by successively pressing a single key to select the proper character. Each key is associated with a counter connected with a decoder for providing an output to enable the key. A pair of latches coupled with the keys and a control device acts to temporarily latch the keyed input data information for output thereof. A frequency generating device is also connected to the counter to provide a key scanning signal. Memory device coupled with an enabling key through a flip/flop circuit are used to store the keyed input data information and provide a key code therefrom. A comparator is also included between the latches and memory device for comparing input data information from the latches and outputting the compared key information therefrom.

Abstract: A device for use in a telephone detects the first dialed digit and compares it with a reference value stored in a memory to determine the type of a telephone call.

Abstract: A terminal of a telephone switchboard installation with one dialing and one service and/or input keyboard and one or more indicator device(s) and a cradle for the hand set. The terminal includes, on the upper side of the terminal a sliding part, which is formed by the upper side which accommodates the keyboards and sometimes includes an indicator device. In one position, the sliding part operationalizes an additional keyboard or indicator device which is located beneath it. This additional keyboard may be designed as a targeted dialing key set, an alpha-numerical input keyboard, etc., and in addition, the keyboard may be replaced with a bank of lamps indicating lines in use.

Abstract: A personal computer connected to a display and touch screen panel is provided with a form entry system integrated therewith. The form entry system is adapted to display a predefined form and to automatically display a predefined tool, such as a keyboard, menu, calculator, etc., to facilitate inputting information in a respective field of the form or chart. Specifically, the user is prompted as to which field is to be filled in by highlighting the field and concurrently displaying as an overlay (window) the tool that the user will use to input the information called for by the highlighted field. In the case where a field calls for illustratively the insertion of a name, the system may be adapted to display a menu of names as the tool for filling in that field. The user selects the name that he or she desired to be inserted in the field by touching that name. The system responsive thereto inserts the name in that field, highlights the next field to be filled in and displays the tool for filling that field.

Abstract: A cordless headset includes a headband, a tubular support having one end mounted on the headband, a housing mounted on the other end of the tubular support and having spaced apart opposed walls on the outer surface of which a plurality of telephone operating digits are arranged in a circular pattern for controlling output signals, aligned central apertures formed in the opposed walls of the housing, and a microphone positioned in the housing and aligned with the apertures.

Abstract: A telephone instrument comprising a handset and a base unit in which the base unit is substantially smooth on its upper surface except for a raised area having a spherical surface and a slight recess which respectively cooperate with a correspondingly formed spherically shaped indentation and a small raised semi-cylindrical portion on the handset. In this manner, the base unit provides a substantially smooth upper surface, so as not to provide any area that might retain dirt or grime. In one embodiment, the telephone instrument is formed of thermoplastic rubber and is substantially water-resistant, with all electrical components contained within the handset.

Abstract: A pushbutton keyboard assembly has a plurality of pushbuttons mounted over a circuit board. A circuit pattern on the circuit board has a plurality of switch positions and a pushbutton is aligned with each switch position. A cap fits over each pushbutton, each cap having a clear top for viewing of an indicia printed on the top of the pushbutton. Each cap has a laterally extending flange by which it is held in position by a dial cover extending over the circuit board and having apertures for the pushbuttons and caps. By the provision of caps, the indicia can be printed using material having suitable characteristics matching the pushbutton material, without the need of also withstanding wear during use.

Abstract: A telephone hook switch uses an elastomeric member as the contact making member. A hook switch has a pivotally mounted actuating member having two levers extending in opposite directions, one on each side of the pivot axis. One lever is moved by the positioning, and removal, of a handset, the actuating member being biased to a particular pivotal direction. The other lever presses on a deformable projection in the elastomeric member. Depression of the projection causes an electrically conducting layer to move into contact with contact areas of a switch position on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a plurality of selectively actuable selection devices for causing the apparatus to perform a plurality of distinct operations. A first actuation of a selection device establishes a first condition to cause the apparatus to generate an externally detectable identification such as by voice synthesis of the selected operation, and a second actuation of the selection device establishes a second condition to cause the apparatus to perform the selected operation and identify the operation on a display. In a preferred embodiment, the selection devices are each a push button actuable from a rest position to a first depressed position to establish the first condition by actuating a first switch, and thereafter actuable from the first depressed position to a second depressed position to establish the second condition by actuating a second switch.