Abstract: The emergency center can issue a broadcast signal destined to travel on a common channel signaling network. Switching equipment includes a switch for a switched telephone network. This switch can (a) establish telephonic communications between callers and called parties over a predetermined number of subscriber lines with a standard ring pattern, and (b) transmit an emergency ring pattern over a majority of the subscriber lines in response to a single command event conveyed to the switch over the common channel signaling network.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and device for providing a notification or warning of pending or imminent danger to the public. The system provides the communication of a desired warning signal and the geographic coverage for such signal, the subsequent data search and issuing of such signals, and a preprogrammed, AC/DC powered alarm/notification device which is coupled to individual telephone lines within homes and businesses. The alarm/notification device constantly monitors the telephone line for specific codes, and upon receipt of such codes, is activated to provide visual and/or audio alert notification.

Abstract: A caller-controlled barge-in telephone service, managed by telephone systems, intercepts telephone calls directed to instantly busy telephone lines predesignated as objects of this service, and: 1) verifies that the called line is a respectively predesignated object of this service and that the caller is entitled to invoke the service relative to that line; and 2) forms a bridging connection between the caller and parties to a telephone call instantly busying the called line. Verification that a caller is entitled to the service can be implemented by playing a voice announcement requesting the caller to speak or key in an authorization code. If the caller fails to respond or returns an invalid code, the caller is either disconnected or transferred to a voice mail service. Disconnection of the caller may be preceded by a voice announcement (e.g. a spoken “goodbye”).

Abstract: A telephone subscriber placing a telephone call through a telecommunications network (10) to a telephone line carrying an existing call may interrupt that call by entering an interrupt code to the network. Upon receipt of the code, the network verifies whether the interrupt code is valid by consulting a data base (21) that cross-references interrupt codes to corresponding lines. If the code is valid for the line carrying the existing call, the network then interrupts the existing call.

Abstract: A system for calling designated addressable notify devices in response to a query to a local telephone company's ALI database system. An advertisement of the 9-1-1-call notification service directs the new subscriber to contact their local telephone provider to register with the new service. The local telephone provider supplies the new system with the registered subscriber's telephone number (ANI) and password. The new subscriber them calls the new service provider directly to register their addressable communication devices to be notified pending a positive reaction to an ALI database system query and the service providers subscriber database. When a registration call is received from a new subscriber, the software proceeds with a voice answerback menu to register numbers to be notified. The notify numbers are stored in a list in a database memory maintained by the notify service.

Abstract: A combination smoke detector and severe weather warning device is housed in a common housing, such as a housing resembling that for a conventional smoke detector. The combination device includes a smoke detector and alarm for sensing smoke and/or fire in the immediate area and transmitting an audible alarm, and also includes a VHF FM radio for receiving severe weather broadcasts and alerts from the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), from a remotely located transmitter. Preferably different audible alarms are provided for the smoke detector and for severe weather warnings from the radio, in order that persons may distinguish the type of alarm issued by the device. The combination device is preferably powered by an electrical power supply installed within the building structure within which the device is installed, but may be powered by self contained electrical batteries.

Abstract: An expandable and modular intercom and annunciation system includes a plurality of signal sources, such as smoke detectors, breakage detectors, intrusion detectors, telecommunication detectors (such as ringers), and gas detectors. The system further includes a plurality of originating interface modules, each respectively coupled to a signal source for receiving signals from the corresponding plurality of signal sources and for converting the signals to common communication protocol signals. The system also includes a receiving interface module coupled to the plurality of originating interface modules for communication via the common communication protocol, and an intercom and annunciation unit coupled to the receiving interface module to receive the common communication protocol signals. The intercom unit has a processor, a memory, and a user interface including an audio output.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and device for providing a notification or warning of pending or imminent danger to the public. The system provides the communication of a desired warning signal and the geographic coverage for such signal, the subsequent data search and issuing of such signals, and a preprogrammed, AC/DC powered alarm/notification device which is coupled to individual telephone lines within homes and businesses. The alarm/notification device constantly monitors the telephone line for specific codes, and upon receipt of such codes, is activated to provide visual and/or audio alert notification.

Abstract: Local telephone exchanges in a threatened geographical area connect to their subscribers and transmit a recorded warning message. This is done in response to transmission of threat data communicated from one of several remote computer terminals to a central computer. The central computer has a data storage device upon which is stored a local exchange database and preferably recorded warning messages. Upon receipt of the threat data from the remote computer terminal, the central computer is connected in communication with the local exchanges in the threatened geographical area and instructs the local exchanges to connect to its subscribers and provides instructions or a warning message to be played to the subscribers who go off-hook.

Abstract: A severe weather warning system is provided including an indicator mechanism adapted for providing an indication of a weather disturbance upon the receipt thereof. A modem has an outlet port connected to a conventional phone and an inlet port connected to a telecommunication network. During use, the modem has a first mode of operation for allowing the transfer of audio signals between the inlet port and the outlet port and a second mode of operation for when a weather disturbance is detected. Next provided is control circuitry adapted for transmitting to the indicator means the indication of a weather disturbance.

Abstract: A private branch exchange is provided having the capability of receiving external alarms via the standard telephony line or trunk interfaces. According to one embodiment, a PBX 200 includes a switching control circuit 202 having line monitor 212 and DTMF 210 capabilities. The switching control circuit 202 is coupled to a central processing unit 204 which in turn is coupled to a memory 206. The memory 206 stores a database 208 identifying a predetermined number of telephony trunk 214 and/or line input/output circuits 218 over which external alarms are to be reported. The CPU 204 identifies an external alarm contact closure as a fault on the telephone line or trunk, thereby insuring proper identification of the location of the alarm.

Abstract: An alarm phone for dialing a predetermined phone number to deliver a predetermined code upon activation by a detection event. The alarm phone includes a motion detector which, when activated, activates a motor by completing a circuit from a battery through the motion detector to the motor. The motor rotates a cam disk having a cam surface which actuates cam levels. As the motor continues to rotate the cam disk, the cam surface actuates other cam levels which contact surface plates and complete connections which respectively pick up the switch hook of a telephone.

Abstract: An emergency alert communication system comprising a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver decodes incoming emergency alert signals and demodulates data header signals and emergency alert voice message signals of the emergency alert signals. Included in the data header signals are event and location code signals, which are followed by the emergency alert voice message signals. The demodulated data header signals in the form of digital data header signals are applied to a microcontroller. A telephone keypad of a telephone device is actuated to enter into the microcontroller event and location code signals. Should the event and location code signals demodulated by the receiver and applied to the microcontroller match the event and location code signals entered into the microcontroller by the telephone keypad, the microcontroller routes through an audio switching circuit the emergency alert voice message signals to a speaker, a recording device and a telephone handset of a telephone device.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber placing a telephone call through a telecommunications network (10) to a telephone line carrying an existing call may interrupt that call by entering an interrupt code to the network. Upon receipt of the code, the network verifies whether the interrupt code is valid by consulting a data base (21) that cross-references interrupt codes to corresponding lines. If the code is valid for the line carrying the existing call, the network then interrupts the existing call.

Abstract: An emergency telephone communications system allows communications during congestion in the event of disaster. The system includes an exchange and telephones connected to the line circuits thereof. The exchange sends a congestion generation signal to a control section to initiate emergency processing when a congestion detecting circuit detects more than a predetermined number of the line circuits in the off-hook state. The control section has a congestion management table listing subscribers and stores not-yet-serviced subscribers when congestion has occurred. The not-yet-serviced subscribers are successively selected from the congestion management table, and calling signals are sent to their telephones. When the subscribers go off-hook within a predetermined time, the control section controls the emergency dial pulse receiver circuit to be ready for reception, and then controls the switch to connect an emergency service trunk to the line circuits to send a tone signal or a voice message.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method which screens all telephone call originations on an access system for calls to emergency services during times of telephone system congestion and bases a decision as to how to handle the call on such determination. According to this invention, all access system call originations (including dialed digits) are delivered to the switching system. If the access facilities are in an overload condition due to high volume or equipment failure, the switching system makes a predetermination as to whether the digits dialed indicate a call for emergency services (a 911 call) or a regular telephone call. Calls for emergency services are immediately routed. Regular telephone calls are advantageously routed to an announcement which announces traffic congestion and disconnects the call, thus providing access facilities for additional emergency calls.

Abstract: A cordless telephone/radio-monitoring system to allow a user to listen to radio broadcasts, such as regional weather broadcasts, through the base unit of a cordless telephone as well as through the handset unit of a cordless telephone. In the event of a weather emergency, an alert signal from the National Weather Service will automatically be announced from both the base unit and the handset unit of the telephone to advise the user of the weather emergency.

Abstract: A remotely activated broadcast transmitter control uses an existing telephone link to a remote control for initiating, controlling and carrying out an emergency broadcast system (EBS) activation, including placing an EBS tone on the transmitter, and coupling the telephone line to the transmitter so that a voice message can be spoken into the remote telephone. A telephone input receives a telephone signal, which is selectively coupled to a remote control and an audio bus via a first switch. A program audio input receives a studio audio signal, and an audio output is coupled to the transmitter. A tone input receives the emergency tone. A second switch is connected to the audio bus and the program audio input for selectively placing the audio bus signal and the studio audio signal on the audio output. A third switch is connected to the second switch output, to the tone input, and to the audio output, and selectively places the emergency tone, the audio bus signal and the studio audio signal on the transmitter.

Abstract: A switch bypass (10) for a Public Safety Calling System (12) having a first switch A for routing telephone calls, a second switch B for routing telephone calls, and a device 14a and 14b for bypassing the first switch A responsive to a failure in the first switch, and for transferring the call to the second switch B.

Abstract: An alarm system monitoring method for remote monitoring. A local alarm monitoring station receives alarm indications from alarms being monitored, and transfers the alarm indication to a first hub station. A load processor at the hub station, determines whether the first hub station should handle the call by comparing its current load of calls to a predetermined limit. If the limit is not crossed by local handling of the call, the first hub station will handle the call, and the load number is modified accordingly. If the first hub station cannot handle the new call, the call is transferred to a second hub station for processing.

Abstract: An internode routing for an emergency telephone system (14) having a first switch (16) for routing telephone calls, a second switch (18) for routing telephone calls, a device (16 or 18) for defining emergency service zones for each of the first and second switches (16 or 18), and a device (16) for transferring a telephone call placed to the first switch (16) to the second switch (18) for completion to a public safety answering point responsive to the condition of the public safety answering point being located in the emergency service zone associated with the second switch (18).

Abstract: A unit for detection and signalizing of functional defects for public lighting. A unit characterized by the fact that it comprises, for the one part, an emitter module (21) with which each street lamp is equipped, preferably located in its post, at the level of the junction box, the emitter module being equipped with a detector for current consumption (23) using the alternative network of the supply line as the carrier of a detection signal, and for the other part, of a receiver module (22) located in the supply cabinet of the same zone, this receiver module managed by a microprocessor which transmits a defect signal to the control room over a telephone line. This invention is of interest for manufacturers and installers of materials, equipment and components for public lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in combination with a personal emergency response system. Typical systems establish a telephone communication link between a subscriber station and a central monitoring station in order to monitor the needs of elderly and/or infirm persons confined to their residences. In the normal operation of a system, a user located at a subscriber station activates a subscriber unit which transmits an alert signal via a telephone communication link to a central monitoring station which dispatches aid to the subscriber station. The system of the present invention incorporates an ancillary radio frequency receiver or transceiver subsystem as an alternate communication link in the event that telephone service becomes disabled. The ancillary radio receiver provides the user with the ability to receive radio frequency transmissions which inform the user that telephone lines have become disabled.

Abstract: An alarm system suitable for use in a telecommunications network in which a central switching system is capable of selectively providing a signal of a predetermined polarity to a plurality of remotely located stations without being dependent upon or impeding the ability of the central switching system to process relatively high volume communications traffic. Each of the remote stations is connected to the telecommunications network by an electrical conduction path. The stations are substantially unresponsive to the predetermined polarity signal. In response to an alarm indication signal, the system effects a reversal in the polarity of the signal provided to a selected subset of the remote stations. Each station in the selected subset responds to the polarity reversal by indicating an alarm condition.

Abstract: A paging system for a PBX comprises an amplifier/speaker module adapted to remain coupled across the Ring and Tip lines of a given phase of the PBX. The module responds to audio signals sent through such lines when the conventional polarity of same are reversed and a DC operating bias is applied thereto. The audio signals are superimposed on the DC bias. A relay controls the polarity of the Ring and Tip lines and when activated, reverses the polarity of such lines whereupon the module amplifies the audio signals and applies them to a speaker. The module includes circuitry to prevent the amplifier from operating when the relay is de-energized and Ring and Tip lines are of conventional polarity.

Abstract: An emergency warning device comprises an alarm signal circuitry incorporated in the telephone lines of various telephone systems such as an existing party-line telephone system, or interphone system and it is adapted to issue an alarm call in case of emergency. The control circuitry provides a warning message of a state of emergency affairs that can be given to a user by a party-line telephone or the like in case of emergency.