Abstract: An electronic private branch exchange having a function to cause a plurality of particular extension telephone sets to simltaneously respond to an incoming signal from the corresponding one of a plurality of main wire trunks. The exchange is capable of changing an extension telephone set at which an incoming signal tone is to be produced, in accordance with a time zone as needed. When there is an incoming signal from a main wire trunk, extension telephone sets to perform an incoming signal processing are searched from a first memory. A time zero in which an incoming signal tone is to be sent to the searched extension telephone sets is read from a second memory. If the read contents of the second memory and those of a third memory coincide, an incoming signal processing is performed, accompanied by a transmission of an incoming signal tone to those extension telephone sets. The contents of the third memory can be changed by a certain extension telephone set.

Abstract: An emergency telephone call actuated light signal is visible externally of the building includes a telephone line monitor and a microcontroller for comparing the dialed numbers with a stored emergency number. If the microcontroller detects a match, it emits an actuation signal which causes operation of a light signal visible on the exterior of the building. The microcontroller includes logic for discriminating between a stored emergency number containing a series of digits and a dialed number containing the stored number sequence as a part of greater series of digits.

Abstract: A telephone set adapted for use by hearing impaired and visually impaired persons is disclosed in which the frequency response of audio signals produced from the handset receiver of the telephone is shaped to have enhanced high-frequency characteristics. The telephone is further provided with indicator lights which flash in conjunction with the telephone's electronic ringer to indicate an incoming telephone call. An array of light-emitting diodes is disposed beneath a dialer keypad to facilitate viewing of the dialing buttons in darkened environments. The dialer keypad's buttons are of an enlarged size, so that they may be more easily used by persons with impaired vison or motor skills.

Abstract: A synthesized message storage and retrieval generates response messages by concatentating a sequence of words that have been recorded in digital memory in the voice of the operator in accordance with prescribed inflection characteristics. By linking together phrases or words having selectively chosen inflections in the voice of the operator, the resulting vocalized message will more naturally simulate the manner of speech of the operator and thereby provide a more realistic verbalization of the message to the customer. In accordance with the communications functionality of the operator's voice message assembly mechanism, the system performs a plurality of tasks for the operator, including automatically answering all incoming calls with a prerecorded phrase dependent on the type of call being serviced and, by means of an auxiliary audio interface with the call director, the output message can be delivered to the customer whether or not the operator is connected to the call.

Abstract: The invention discloses a control circuit device of a desk lamp apparatus which is used in association with a telephone set. This circuit device may be actuated by an input signal from a telephone line for the duration of a call in order to provide a full light source over the place surrounding the telephone. A delay circuit is provided to prolong the actuated state of the circuit device for a period of time after a phone conversation is over.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a switching mechanism for electrical devices where the operations of each device are controlled by turning the page-like switches of the mechanism in a manner similar to turning the pages of a book. A preferred embodiment of the invention concerns an integral telephone and telephone answering machine.

Abstract: An arrangement for allowing a subscriber to select telephone features from the subscriber terminal is disclosed. The subscriber terminal includes a touch screen display and a customer premises computer. The terminal in response to a touching of the appropriate area of the screen, displays a list of all possible telephone features available to this subscriber terminal together with an indication of currently subscribed features. By touching the screen in the appropriate areas, the subscriber may select features to be added or deleted. The information regarding the subscriber selection is transmitted to the central office to which the terminal is connected. The central office maintains a set of software packages corresponding to each of the possible combinations of features to be selected by a subscriber and in response to information from the terminal defining a new set of features, the central office transmits the appropriate software package to the terminal.

Abstract: A detachably attachable protection device for use with a circuit routed to a DSX panel or the like in a telephone switching station includes a fixed plate having apertures for visual access to a light associated with the circuit, an aperture for access to a monitor jack and a pivotable plate connected to the fixed plate for selectively providing access to jacks for rerouting the circuit. The lift tab may be incorporated to assist in positioning the pivotable plate. In a variant protection device, a plurality of pivotable plates secured to a common fixed plate may be employed to individually protect all circuits routed to a DSX panel.

Abstract: A telephone system employing a centrex exchange having multi-station pick-up groups wherein a station controller means is situated between the exchange and the centrex telephone stations and provides lamp control of the secondary stations of the pick-up groups, and wherein the centrex exchange provides control of the call transfer from the primary stations of the pick-up groups to the respective secondary stations.

Abstract: An automatic emergency locator system detects tone dialing of an emergency number, such as 911. Upon detecting this number the system turns on a visual signalling device, such as a flashing strobe light. The signalling device helps personnel responding to the emergency call locate the emergency. The visual signalling device remains on for a set period. Authorized persons can reset the system and turn off the signalling device by dialing a predetermined reset number.

Abstract: A telephone includes a variable color telephone display on which a dialed telephone number may be exhibited and a transducer for measuring a predetermined quantity. The color of the telephone display is controlled in accordance with the value of the measured quantity.

Abstract: Unified messaging is a concept that provides for a single electronic mailbox for different types of messages. The mailbox can be on a user's host computer, PBX, PC, etc., and the user has consistant facilities available to originate, receive and manipulate messages. Messages can be translated from one media to another for reception, and a single message may be composed of parts that use different native media. The message recipient has a single controllable point of contact where all messages can be scanned and/or viewed.

Abstract: Ordinary telephone sets comprising a signaling key are employed as subscriber stations in a memory-programmed telephone exchange system. Those information which respectively characterize the performance features to be activated are stored. Depending on the existence of specific switching states, the information with respect to the first of the performance features applicable thereto are transmitted to the subscriber station on the basis of the actuation of the signal key and are indicated there in a sensorally perceptible fashion as a statement regarding the respective performance feature. This indication is meaningfully comprised of the announcement of the performance feature. The memory storing the announcements, consequently, is part of a voice output device. Those voice announcements which state the performance features or services which can be activated by the subscriber are communicated to the subscriber.

Abstract: Message signaling device for a telephone installation having analog stations and station equipped for this purpose. The invention has as its objects a signaling device by light means for a telephone installation whose subscribers are equipped with analog stations and the stations equipped for this purpose. Each telephone station (4) concerned is equipped in parallel, on the one hand, with a message lamp (59) in series with a resistor (60), on the other hand, with a capacitor (61), coming out of the rectifier bridge (51) of the station. The message signaling is achieved by action of the control unit (3) of the telephone exchange equipment on the injector (36) of ringing signals assigned to the station, so as to cause it to transmit rhythmic signals which differ from the rhythmic ringing signals by the shorter period of the transmission phases of the signal and which make possible the lighting of the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a display system for use in a telephone answering machine for indicating when messages are available for playback in the memory of the machine. The system comprises a display unit having a plurality of display modules which correspond operationally to various banks of memory within the answering machine and a microprocessor for providing control signals to the display modules. The display modules include mechanisms for generating light of a first color and for generating light of a second color in response to different logic states assumed by the control signals from the microprocessor. The display modules are controlled by the microprocessor to emit light of the first color when messages are resident in particular banks to which they correspond within the memory of the machine and emit light of a second color when such banks are empty.

Abstract: A method for electronically simulating a cradle switch and a hands free talking-loudspeaking key in a telephone station. The cradle switch and hands free talking-loudspeaking key must be functionally coupled to one another in such a telephone station. This is generally effected mechanically. Structural difficulties and an operator-unfriendly arrangement of the key have thus resulted. To solve these problems, a control pulse generator is provided which, by an appropriate emission of control pulses following the actuation of the key and/or the cradle switch, triggers the individual functions in the participating assemblies of the telephone station. In the rest state, the control pulse generator and a dialing store of the keyboard are maintained on standby by a weak, line-fed standby current supply. The method is suitable for all hands free talking-loudspeaking telephone stations.

Abstract: A multiplexed data channel telephone system comprising a master station (221) and one or more remote stations (222) is disclosed. Each station (221, 222) is bridged, in a parallel electrical connection, onto a wire-pair (201) that extends from the stations to a telephone switching system. Each station (221, 222) includes a voiceband line interface (110, 310) for connecting to the wire-pair (201) at voiceband frequencies, and a radio frequency line interface (700, 800) for connecting to the wire-pair (201) at radio frequencies. Each station further includes multiplexer and demultiplexer equipment (500, 600) for frequency shifting a data channel between baseband and rf. Amplitude modulation and half-duplex transmission are used in the data channel. Telephone status and control information, including ringing and answer control, are exchanged between controllers (160, 360) via the data channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for user prompting at a digital telephone station, comprising a twelve-key keyboard for subscriber selection and further keys, here eight, for subscriber services, and comprising a display for written or oral messages deposited in a mailbox assigned to the telephone station an a one-line or multi-line display, and whereby at least a portion of the keys can be represented on a touch sensitive liquid crystal surface in the form of pictograms.

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 telephone light adapter comprised of an electronic control box connected to a standard telephone and light fixture, the adapter energizing the light fixture when the control box is in an automatic mode for announcing an incoming telephone call, the light fixture remaining energized for a specified period of time after the termination of the call. The control box also energizes the light fixture when the telephone receiver is moved from the cradle position for dialing or when an extension telephone is in use. A three-position switch located on the control box permits the selection of mode of operation while a user switch permits manual operation.

Abstract: A telephone receiving apparatus (100) rigidly retains a telephone handset (200) without the need for a release lever. In the preferred embodiment, a moveable boss (108) and a rigid boss (106) engage corresponding notches (208 and 206) in the earpiece of the handset during insertion. The handset (200) is removed by moving it forward until the rigid boss (106) is cleared. The improved telephone receiving apparatus of the present invention may be advantageously utilized in mobile telephones and a variety of other applications where a telephone handset is subject to shock and vibration during normal use.

Abstract: A telephone privacy circuit is disclosed. The privacy circuit preferably includes a voltage breakdown device which passes current only when the voltage across the device is greater than a predetermined value. The voltage breakdown device is connected in series with a telephone to be protected. The predetermined value is chosen to be lower than the line voltage across the tip and ring terminals of a telephone line when every telephone connected to that line is in the on-hook position. In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined value is selected to be higher than the line voltage across the tip and ring terminals of the telephone line when a telephone connected to that line is placed on the off-hook condition. In another embodiment of the invention, a voltage breakdown device is connected to the gating element of an electronic latching device.

Abstract: A telephone with variable color display visually presents dialed telephone number in a color variable in accordance with the type of a telephone call, e.g, internal, external, local, long distance, and the like.

Abstract: A line use indicator in a telephone set, to indicate a telephone line is in use when a plurality of telephone sets are paralleled on the line, comprises a light emitting device switched by a transistor, the transistor controlled by a VMOS FET. The transistor may switch a separate power source or a self-contained power source from the telephone line.

Abstract: A casing for an auxiliary device to optically display an incoming telephone call includes a bottom portion which is detachably connected to a cover portion. Accommodated in the so-formed interior space is a frame which carries a plurality of reflectors spaced along its periphery and reflecting the light towards the outside through a viewing window of the cover portion. For supporting a print card within the interior space, the frame is provided with inwardly projecting clamps each of which having two shanks to hold the print card therebetween.

Abstract: A telephone line hold and hold release circuit which, after a central office line which is connected to at least two telephone sets in a telephone terminal system has been seized in response to an incoming call and then placed on HOLD, releases that central office line from the HOLD condition in response to either (i) the re-closing of the hookswitch of the telephone set which seized the central office line, or (ii) the closing of the hookswitch of another telephone set connected to that central office line, or (iii) the release of the central office line by the caller.

Abstract: An LCD is associated with each phone line. The LCD is powered by the system current in the phone line. When the phone (10) is in an "on-hook" condition, the LCD is energized and it displays a light image of a telephone in an on-hook condition on a solid dark background. When the phone (10) is in an off-hook condition the LCD is turned off causing its liquid crystal compound to become transparent. The LCD working displays a solid light color but an image of a handset appears on this background. This handset image is printed onto the back side of the front glass panel of the LCD in the region that appears as a dark background when the LCD is energized. When a ring is received by the line the LCD flashes back and forth between the two displays at a fast rate. When the line is "on-hold" the LCD flashes between the images at a slower rate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of setting up, manipulating, and taking down communication connections. The telephone instrument would include a graphics screen, such as a PC, and a series of call appearance boxes would be represented on the screen. Each possible party to a connection would be represented by a picture (icon generated upon request for a particular party) and an associated label (the party's name). The icon representative of a party is moved, by use of a cursor, inside a communication appearance box on the screen to place that party on the call. The icon would be moved out of the box to drop the party from the call. In this manner, two-party, as well as conference, calls can be established.

Abstract: A circuit providing a message waiting indication using a light emitting diode and a constant current surge protected circuit for use with PABX extension telephone instruments. Recently developed light emitting diodes operated with current of one milliampere or less are effectively used in the present circuitry which limits current to the device in the operating mode and also as low leakage current while in the "off" mode.