Abstract: A portable hands-free telephone converter that allows a user to speak on the telephone without using the hands to hold a handset or the like. The telephone converter includes a first coupler for coupling the telephone converter to the receiver of the handset, a second coupler for coupling the telephone converter to the transmitter of the handset, a converter, coupled via the first coupling means and the second coupling means to the handset, for receiving the incoming voice from the receiver and outputting the user's voice to the transmitter, and a controller, coupled to the converter, for amplifying the user's voice signal and for amplifying the incoming voice signal received by the converter from the handset receiver.

Abstract: Hook conditions of a handset of a telephone apparatus which includes a telephone apparatus base having an inside and an outside are sensed by providing a beam of radiation outside of that telephone apparatus base. The handset is placed in that beam of radiation outside the telephone apparatus base in an on-hook condition of that handset on the telephone apparatus base. An off-hook condition of the handset is signaled by removing that handset from that beam of radiation while removing such handset from the telephone apparatus base. A method of preventing eavesdropping through microphone and earphone of a handset of a telephone apparatus opens a circuit of either the microphone or the earphone and short-circuits either the earphone or the microphone, respectively while the handset is on-hook on a base of that telephone.

Abstract: A keypad enlarger kit (10) including a front cover plate (22), a plurality of large pushbuttons (24), a cushion pad (26), and a backing plate (28). Keypad enlarger kit (10) is adapted to be mounted to a front panel (15) of a conventional pay telephone (12) in a manner so that large pushbuttons (24) overly telephone keypad (14) and provide larger pushbuttons for selection by a user.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely transmitting information from a telephone to a calling party over a telephone network. In accordance with the method, encrypted audio signals are received from the telephone over a communication path to an authentication mechanism that may be located in the telephone network. The communication path is then disabled by placing the telephone is a hold state. The encrypted audio signals are decrypted to yield decrypted audio signals. The decrypted audio signals are transmitted to the calling party while the communication path is disabled. Finally, a communication path is enabled from the telephone to the calling party subsequent to transmitting the decrypted audio signals. This method provides a high degree of security since the communication path between the user and the authentication mechanism is disabled when the decrypted message is transmitted to the called party.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device for a telephone set having a handset enabling an auxiliary device to be substituted for the handset. In an embodiment, the switching device includes a casing provided with at least one compartment, the compartment being intended to receive one end of the handset. The compartment includes a switch actuated by the presence of the handset which triggers the aforementioned substitution. The invention finds application in hands-free telephoning and teleconferencing.

Abstract: The digital recorder reversible mount for a telephone encompasses an apparatus which enables the mounting of a portable cellular phone in a manner which provides safety and utility to the user, and provides the user with optional digital sound recording capability, especially for voice recording and messaging. The bracket system is attached to a vehicle dash or console, by any acceptable means, and includes an integrated support for both a cellular telephone and an electronic recorder. The support has a first side and a second side parallel to said first side and defining an aperture extending into said support parallel to said first and second sides where it will be preferably supported by a hinge. The support will include a strike plate affixed to said first side of said bracket support, and the second side will typically be a smooth area. Inside the support, an electronic recorder is contained and manipulable by the user through buttons which enable the recording and playback of audio messages.

Abstract: In combination with a cellular telephone having a microphone, a voice reflector includes a cap attached to the cellular telephone. The cap has an inner surface defining a reflection region for reflecting sound waves into the microphone of the cellular telephone. The cap may be integrally connected to the cellular telephone or the voice reflector may include fasteners to connect the cap to the cellular telephone. In combination with a cellular flip telephone having a microphone and a lid, another embodiment of a voice reflector according to the invention includes a jalousie attached to the lid of the cellular flip telephone for reflecting sound waves of a voice into the microphone of the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A plastic number plate cover that can be installed from the exterior of the housing faceplate of a public telephone and which is resistant to tampering. The cover includes an envelope-shaped pocket into which a number plate or card is inserted, and opposed cantilever arms each terminating in a tab having a beveled edge. The cover is inserted into a rectangular-shaped recess on the faceplate when the tabs are brought into contact with a recess edge, causing the arms to flex and allowing the beveled edges to slide past the recess edge. The cover may be fixed or removable once installed within the faceplate, depending on the structure of the tabs.

Abstract: A shield conceals operation of a keypad such as a telephone keypad, from a view oblique to the user, who can view the keypad either over or through a front member. The front member is movable such that it does not interfere with normal operation of the telephone, and permits the handset to be conventionally mounted over the keypad. One or two side members extend from the sides of the keypad forward toward the user, for example by a distance at least equal to the width of the keypad. The front member can be pivotable and/or slidable on the side members, and is preferably translucent, whereas the side members are preferably opaque.

Abstract: An adapter (10) for a cellular telephone includes a first coupling apparatus (21) disposed on a first surface (30) of the adapter (10). The first coupling apparatus (21) is for engaging coupling apparatus disposed on a rear surface of the cellular telephone. The adapter (10) also includes an earpiece (40) coupled to a side (33) of the adapter (10) and a second coupling apparatus (23, 24) disposed on a second surface (32) of the adapter (10). The second coupling apparatus (23, 24) engages coupling apparatus disposed on a power source. The earpiece (40) comprises a speaker electrically coupled to connections on a connector for tapping an external audio output of a cellular telephone. The speaker (40) is constrained to maintain a position within one-half centimeter of the side (33) of the adapter (10). An outer shell of the earpiece (40) is connected to the side (33) of the adapter (10) and protrudes therefrom by a distance of less than a centimeter.

Abstract: A communication device for mobile operation is equipped with a telephone as well as with a notebook with a display. Prior art devices have a housing in "pocket format" and a practically unrestricted mobility only with a greatly restricted range of functions, for example the lack of an integrated telephone part. Further, the built-in computers are usually only designed as "notepads" without a keyboard. The communication device (1) for mobile operation has a telephone and a notebook with a touch-sensitive display (3) that is accommodated in a pocket-format device housing (3) composed of two sub-sections (9,10) connected to one another at a swivelling axis (8). The telephone and the display (3) are accommodated in one sub-section (10), whereas the other sub-section (9) holds an alphanumerical keyboard (14) accessible to the user.

Abstract: Mobile telephone apparatus comprises a transceiver unit (10) having a handset cradle (12), signal antenna (14) and ports (16-24) for the connection of a handset, external loudspeaker/microphone, power supply etc. A power lead (26) for connecting the power supply port (24) of the apparatus to a cigarette lighter socket is stored when not in use by plugging the cigarette lighter adaptor (36) at one end of the lead (26) into a dummy socket (44) formed in a housing (42) which is detachably connected to the transceiver unit (10). The lead (26) is combined with a carrying strap (28), one end of which is connected to the cigarette lighter adapter and the other end (30) of which is detachably connectable to a retaining slot (32) on the transceiver unit (10).

Abstract: A memorandum recorder for use with a telephone including a speaker adapted to emit audio signals therefrom. Also included is a memory device for storing audio signals thereon. Finally, a control mechanism is connected to a conventional telephone and is adapted to allow conventional communication via the telephone in a first mode of operation, to allow storage of audio signals inputed from a mouthpiece of the telephone in a second mode of operation upon the depression of a record button, and to allow playback of stored audio signals via the speaker in a third mode of operation upon the depression of a playback button.

Abstract: A support bracket for an electronic daytimer (e.g., a PDA or a PIM), a cellular telephone, and pager combination includes a housing with at least two indentions, one of which is sized to receive an electronic daytimer and the other of which is sized to receive a cellular telephone; power supply lines carried by the housing so as to connect with, and thereby provide power, to a received electronic daytimer and/or received cellular telephone; and a printer for an electronic daytimer secured to the housing and combined with a cable connecting it to a received electronic daytimer.

Abstract: A mobile telephone holder having a bottom wall, two opposite upright side walls bilaterally raised from the bottom wall at right angles, and two clamping structures disposed at the upright side walls for holding down a mobile telephone on the bottom wall, wherein each clamping structure includes an opening formed in one upright side wall, a wheel axle mounted in the opening in parallel to the bottom wall, and a clamping wheel rotatably mounted on the wheel axle and suspended in the opening for clamping the loaded mobile telephone.

Abstract: A device for selectably providing an individual with different alert modes to a call on a telephone. The inventive device includes a switch positionable in series electrical communication between a ring circuit power source and an audible ringer of the telephone or a vibration assembly coupled to the switch. Via the switch, either one of the audible ringer and vibration assembly can be selected to alert the individual to a call or the ring circuit power source can be left absent a load.

Abstract: A radiation shield for a hand-held cellular telephone is made up of a metal strip placed between the antenna rod of the telephone and the speaker. The strip has a flat body portion and an upper portion that is curved away from the rod. Overall length of the strip is slightly longer than the antenna rod, and its width is 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Radiation fields reaching the head of a user whose ear is placed near the speaker are substantially reduced by the shield.

Abstract: Disclosed are a telephone accessory and method of telecommunicating for a personal digital accessory ("PDA"). The PDA includes a chassis of particular dimensions and input/output ("I/O") circuitry on a front surface of the chassis, the chassis containing processing circuitry coupled to the I/O circuitry. The telephone accessory comprises: (1) a body portion having a concave surface adapted to receive the chassis and first and second body extensions coupled to opposite ends of the body portion and (2) communications circuitry capable of being coupled to the processing circuitry in the chassis when the chassis is received into the concave surface on the body portion, the communications circuitry including a communications transceiver capable of coupling the processing circuitry to remote processing circuitry via a communications link.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes, in combination, a handset unit and a voice message recording unit that is supported on the handset unit so as to be disposed at the general vicinity of the user's mouth when the handset unit is in the use position thereof. The recording unit may be both physically and electrically interposed between the handset unit and a telephone cord leading to a base unit of the telephone apparatus, in which case the loudspeaker of the handset unit can be used by the recording unit as well, or be mounted on or physically incorporated within a flap of the handset unit, or be partially received in an externally disposed pocket of a case for the handset unit.

Abstract: A rotary base for telephones and the like is disclosed, including a base and a plate for holding a telephone which is rotatable relative to the base. The rotatable plate is attached to the base by a coupling portion which enables rotation of the plate without causing twisting of a telephone line passing through the plate and the base. The ability to rotate a portion of the telephone cable without causing the chord to twist is enabled by a plurality of circular contacts attached to part of a telephone line on one side of a connection and a plurality of contacts which move along the circular contacts on an opposing side so that the connection is continuous as the plate is rotated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the adaptation of personal computers to communication through external networks, and more particularly to the ready adaptation of such computers to networks of varying characteristics, such as telecommunications networks located in various countries of the world. The adapter has first and second controllable digital/analog convertors for exchanging signals with a digital signal processor of the computer and controllable by a bus interface controller of the computer for converting signals between digital and analog forms. The adapter also has first and second connectors of the type required by the particular external network, coupled to the convertors for exchanging signals with the external network and for exchanging signals with an external device such as a telephone set.

Abstract: An improved outer face plate for the principal section of a coin operated telephone unit. The face plate includes at least one external frame member affixed to the face plate proximate one side of the dialing key pad area of the plate. The frame member defines through its periphery a framed panel area and the frame member has a raised rim portion for the positioning and support of an interchangeable advertising panel card. Preferably the face plate of the telephone unit includes two external frame members of rectangular shape with each of the frame members located on one side of the dialing key pad area of the plate.

Abstract: A touch pad shielding device for a pay telephone or ATM or similar device which requires a user to input information into a key pad. The shielding device includes a cover which is attached over the key pad on the device. Created beneath the cover is a cavity in which the user may insert his or her hand to manipulate the keys on the key pad. In one embodiment, the cover is pivotally attached over the key pad and includes a plurality of transversely aligned parallel slots. The slots are spaced apart so that viewing of the key pad is limited to the user standing in front of the key pad. In another embodiment, the cover is attached in a fixed position over the key pad and includes a plurality of, transversely aligned, pivoting slats to enable the user to adjust visibility of the key pad. Also provided herein is a method of privately inputting information into a key pad.

Abstract: A quick connection system and method for coupling two housings, e.g. a telephone and special function module, includes a bracket having at least one hole. The bracket comprises a slide latch having a slide latch aperture, with the bracket fastened to the first housing base and extending beyond a side of the first housing so that the slide latch and hole overlap the second housing when the second housing is placed adjacent to the first housing. At least one shear boss is affixed to the second housing. A slide latch receptacle is mounted to the second housing, such that the hole on the bracket receives the shear boss and the slide latch on the bracket receives the slide latch receptacle when the second housing is placed adjacent to the first housing. The slide latch can be engaged to rigidly interlock the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: A key marking overlay for telephone keypads. The overlay is mountable over the telephone keypad and allows pressing of the keys through the overlay. It provides a mechanism for keeping track of the keys which have been pressed during period of use of the keypad. The overlay may also present graphical indicia assigning arbitrary functions to selected keys of the keypad.

Abstract: A blank which may be erected to form a security shield for public telephones to guard against unauthorized visual access and theft of telephone calling card numbers and information. The blank includes a plurality of hingedly connected panels, and retention slots which engage cradle posts in a conventional telephone housing. A telephone security feature is provided by dimensioning the shield so that it extends around the periphery of the key pad and limits visual access to the user. The shield panels fold into a compact arrangement of overlying panels to facilitate its ready storage and accessibility to the user.

Abstract: A radiation shielding apparatus for a radio transmitting device, such as a cellular phone. A radiation shield is disposed between a radiation component and a user to prevent unwanted exposure of the user to emanating radiation from the radiation emanating component. The cellular telephone radio transmitting device may be a hand-held cellular telephone, and the radiation emanating component may be an internal or external antenna or any other electromagnetic radiation source, such as a transmitter. The radiation shield can be retrofitted to an existing cellular telephone, or may be designed specific for different models of cellular phones. The radiation shield can absorb, block and/or reflect electromagnetic wave radiation to shield the user of such cellular telephones from unwanted and possibly harmful exposure to electromagnetic wave radiation.

Abstract: A viewing shield for use on a telephone front wall for preventing observation of the dialing pad by individuals other than the caller. The viewing shield includes side walls that are located in close proximity to and on opposite sides of the dialing pad. The side walls are attached to a back wall section which is, in turn, attached to the telephone front face wall. The viewing shield side walls extend away from the dialing pad and telephone front wall and curve toward one another. An access opening is provided between the two side walls wherethrough the caller may reach the dialing pad with his fingers and enter the desired numbers.

Abstract: A display device which can be used in combination with, for example, telephones, computers, keyboards or other similar devices to conveniently display useful information such as speed dialing numbers. Also described is a combined device and display device and methods of using the display device described herein.

Abstract: A radio circuit (10) provides for the selection of a mode of operation for the radio in response to sensing an external accessory (22, 22') including a speaker or an earpiece being connected to the radio circuit.

Abstract: A telephone set is disclosed which includes an adjunct interface module within the telephone set stand of the telephone set. This adjunct interface module converts the telephone set interface, which connects the telephone set to a premise switching system, to a different interface that is used by adjunct telephone equipment associated with the telephone set. Typically, the telephone set interface is a non-standard, or proprietary, interface, while the adjunct interface is the more common tip-ring interface.

Abstract: A device receives a memorandum board for a telephone. The memorandum board includes a handle at the foremost end thereof and is slidably displaced in the forward/rearward direction with the aid of guiding grooves. A pair of engagement holes and a pair of engagement projections are formed on the memorandum board. A pair of first engagment cavities are provided in the bottom of the memorandum board for allowing the engagement projection on the memorandum board to be brought into engagement therewith to hold the memorandum board at the operative position in which the memorandum board is pulled in the forward direction with a user's fingers.

Abstract: A hands-free telephone assembly according to the present invention comprises a speech network mounted in a base and having an input channel and an output channel, the speech network being connected to a telephone interface which is selectively connectable to a telephone line. Also included are a gain-controllable amplifier in said input channel, a primary transducer including a primary speaker connected to the output of said gain-controllable amplifier, and a primary microphone, and a gain and frequency controllable amplifier connecting the primary microphone to said input channel. The primary transducer is mounted in a housing separate from the base, said housing being constructed and arranged so as to fit within the ear canal of a user and to be releasably maintained therein. Finally, the assembly contains a cancellation mechanism for suppressing positive feedback between the primary microphone and the primary speaker.

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 cushion for application to a telephone handset. The cushion is made from a low density, high resiliency flexible foam to make the telephone's receiver or transmitter more comfortable when pressed against the ear or mouth of the user. The cushion has a main body which defines a funnel shaped channel for guiding sound between the handset and the user. A diaphragm with sound ports completely cover the channel to dampen the sounds passing between the handset and the user. The cushion is shaped to match the receiver or transmitter of the telephone handset and can include a groove to allow the cushion to hang from a wall mounted base and tabs to conduct electricity from recharging pins to rechargeable batteries in the handset. A variety of coverings can be placed over the cushion for aesthetic or functional purposes.

Abstract: A telephone switch depressor that includes a planar wedge panel that includes a tapered, planar wedge end that is adapted to be received between a telephone flash switch and the opening through which the switch extends. The depressor serves to hold the flash button in its depressed condition, to disconnect the telephone line from a handset, and to avoid the need to physically replace the handset on the base or rest in order to actuate a switch hook to cause disconnection of the handset from the telephone line. The wedge panel can be formed from a flexible, yet sufficiently rigid plastic material, and it can be adapted to carry printed information.

Abstract: A removable friction-producing cushion and a wedge-shaped object attached to the surface of a telephone receiver/transmitter handset which enables a person to rest the handset on his shoulder, without slipping, by tipping his head and lightly squeezing the handset between his shoulder and his ear.

Abstract: A telephone earpiece attachment that accommodates users wearing earrings. The attachment may be mounted on the telephone handset by a hinge or by magnetic attraction. The attachment body holds the ear away from the earpiece with the ear lobe radially beyond the body so that no pressure is applied to the earring. The body provides a chamber through which sound is transmitted from the earpiece to the ear of the user.

Abstract: A telephone handset cover 10 for covering a conventional telephone handset 1, typically of the type employed in public telephone facilities. Handset cover 10 is installed upon handset 1 with or without shank 16. Shank 16 may be a single piece or a plurality of pieces. Where employed, shank 16 may be separate from cover 10 or integrally molded there into, and serves to hold handset 1 together for continuous function even in the event of breakage of handset 1. In general handset cover 10, and shank 16 function to absorb or deflect impact energy directed at handset 1 to prevent damage to, or contain the damage done to, telephone handsets in public telephone facilities. Handset cover 10 is typically nonremovable by the user, in that it is installed either with temporary epoxy glue strips 15 or with angled metal closure shanks 26. Handset cover 10 may be closed either along the back of handset 1 or along the cradle side of handset 1.

Abstract: Improvement in telephone handset supports or, more specifically, shoulder supports for telephone handsets; such a support versatilely adjustable for users of different physical conformations, particularly with respect to the configuration of the user's head and shoulders; a device readily, simply and dependably changeable by the user to permit either left or right shoulder use, the versatility of adjustment with respect to size and configuration of the user's head and shoulders remaining the same with respect to each shoulder; a new, different and versatile connecting piece adjustably connecting and fixable with respect to the telephone handset on one end and a shoulder pad for the user on the other.

Abstract: A device for selectively keeping the flash button of a telephone handset depressed. The device comprises a detachable telephone handset engaging member, which when secured to the handset depresses the flash button, thereby keeping the telephone off line. When the handset engaging member is detached from the handset, the flash button is released and phone calls may be made. The device is easy to operate and makes it unnecessary to use the hook switch on the telephone cradle.

Abstract: The open end of a thin shell is snugly fitted over the earpiece of a standard telephone handset to secure the shell on the handset. Teeth or projections can extend inward from the sidewalls of the shell for snap-fit connection of the shell to the earpiece. The sidewalls of the shell project beyond the sound-emitting outer surface of the earpiece to an apertured outer surface of the shell against which the ear of a user can rest. The shell forms an extension attachment spacing the ear of a hearing aid wearer a distance from the earpiece sufficient to avoid generation of objectionable feedback sounds during use of the telephone.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling electronic equipment such as a VTR using a remote telephone set. The electronic equipment has a timer reservation unit which causes the electronic equipment to start a predetermined operation at a predetermined time in accordance with externally inputted reservation information and to become inoperable after a predetermined period. The timer reservation unit includes an input unit, and a remote controller is coupled to the input unit of the timer reservation unit to perform wireless communication therebetween. The remote controller is constructed such that the reservation information is transmitted to the input unit of the timer reservation unit in response to a predetermined push button operation or dial operation of the remote telephone set.

Abstract: A sanitizing device for a telephone. A housing is mounted alongside the telephone and includes two pair of openings, each pair spaced to receive the mouthpiece and earpiece of the telephone. Located within each opening of the first pair is a nested stack of sanitized cup-like filters and the inner surface of the periphery of each filter bears a strip of pressure sensitized adhesive. By inserting the mouthpiece and earpiece within the respective openings, a filter will adhere to both the mouthpiece and earpiece. To remove the filters after use of the telephone, the mouthpiece and earpiece are inserted within the openings of the second pair and spiral rubber-like flaps which are disposed across each opening act to remove the filters as the receiver is withdrawn. In a second form of the invention, the sanitizing device takes the form of a rigid adapter including a perforated mouth section and a perforated ear section which is snap fitted over the receiver of the telephone.

Abstract: An attachment for a telephone handset used by users of in-the-ear hearing aids including a cup shaped member which acoustically couples the handset to the ear and serves to cancel feedback between the hearing aid receiver and microphone.

Abstract: A telephone station including an optical display device fashioned as a display is provided. The display device is quickly and simply attachable by being pluggably connected to the telephone station by engagement of webs on the display device with springs in the telephone station.

Abstract: A telephone accessory for use by hearing impaired individuals wearing hearing aids which enables a conventional telephone to be used without causing annoying feedback. The telephone accessories include a deeply-dished ear horn portion which reduces feedback problems since the sound reflective surfaces of the ear horn are displaced some distance from the hearing aid microphone. Various embodiments of this invention are described including alternate means for retaining the device attached to a telephone handset, and several embodiments disclosing means for varying the depth of the ear horn cup to suit an individual user.

Abstract: A tiltable and to-fro adjustable telephone handset cradle. A curvilinear wire-or band-frame cradle has a base that engages a track which is fixable to a handset. Pivotability means in the cradle, as well as a slideable, adjustable attachment to the handset, achieves an apparatus that grants considerable comfort to the telephone user by allowing side-to-side head motion and adjustment of head to-fro posture.

Abstract: A removable, washable cover for a telephone handset comprises an outer fabric cover, suitably cotton, and an inner cushioning layer also preferably cotton having a cavity for receiving a telephone handset. An elongated opening is provided along the rear or front panels of the cover and cushioning layer. The edges of the cover along the opening are provided with cooperative fastening materials such as two strips of VELCRO.

Abstract: A cord receiving and retaining groove in the back surface or web of a telephone set base has one or more cord retaining formations spaced along the groove. Two spaced parallel walls extend inward from the groove, away from the back surface. A cantilever member is formed in each wall, the cantilever member integral with the wall at its fixed end and extending to a free end in the groove. The cantilever members are in opposition. A projection is formed on the free end of each cantilever member, the projections extending towards each other. A cord is pushed into the groove and snaps past the projections on the free ends of the cantilever members. The cantilever members are given sufficient lever length for ready deflection by the walls extending from the groove. The walls permit flexing of the cantilever members over a longer length than if the cantilever members were formed only in the walls of the groove.