Abstract: A switching circuit places a load across the TIP and RING signals of a telephone line when the computer is reset and removes the load when the computer accesses a selected memory location. Thus, the telephone line remains in an off-hook state after the computer is reset and remains in that state until the computer executes software that causes the telephone line to return to the on-hook state. The computer may also execute software that causes the telephone line to enter the off-hook state.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling the application of the power ring signal of an incoming call generated by the telephone company to a telecommunication device by way of an electronic switching device connected in series with the telephone line. The electronic switching device is controlled by logic circuitry operating in conjunction with circuitry designed to receive and demodulate the caller identification data signal provided by the telephone company during the silent interval between the first and second power ring signals of an incoming call. The logic circuitry maintains the electronic switching device in a nonconductive state, while the telephone company caller identification data received is used to determine whether to continue to suppress the subsequent power ring signals, or allow them to pass to the connected telecommunication device by actuating the electronic switching device to the conducting state.

Abstract: In caller ID telephone service system, if a calling party does not want to display his telephone number on the called party side, the calling party takes an authorized key number (hereinafter called "blocking key number") with the telephone exchange office. The key number is composed of a 3 or 4 digit numerical signal, like a push-phone tone, when the subscriber calls any subscriber (called party) telephone number in this service area. If he dials that key number first and then the conventional number, the telephone exchange office detects that key number, then blocks (stops) sending the calling party telephone number to the called party side. On the other hand, the called party side has a device with a relay which functions to take out the associated telephone set from the telephone line after one ring because the device cannot detect telephone number information between the first ring and second ring.

Abstract: An automatic answering telephone apparatus for sending an out-going message through a telephone line and recording at least one incoming message on a magnetic tape using a tape recorder which can record a conversation between an operator and a conversation partner on the magnetic tape not in the automatic answering mode, the tape recorder further having rewinding, fast-forward winding and stop functions, and including: a position detector for detecting a tape travelling position; a memory for storing the detected tape traveling position such as to store the detected tape travelling position of the end of the latest incoming massage; a line status detector for detecting a change in status of the telephone line; and a controller responsive to an output of the line status detector, the detected tape travelling position, and the stored tape travelling position for positioning the magnetic tape to the stored tape travelling position using the fast-forward winding and the stop functions when the line status detecto

Abstract: A small portable self-contained, battery powered consumer premise call management device adapted to be connected to a telephone network termination node on a premise to provide audible monitoring of signals on the termination node by depression of a control button. The device includes a battery powered signal lamp triggered by a ringing signal and latched in an on condition until the control button is depressed. The device provides a call notification signal and is usable with and complementary to both network provide and consumer premise equipment providing telephone answering services.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a telephone set, a facsimile information processor for processing facsimile information which is to be transmitted to a party device via a communication line and facsimile information which is received via the communication line, and a first switch for selectively coupling the facsimile information processor and the communication line. The facsimile machine also includes a direct-current source for supplying a direct current to the telephone set, and a voice message recording apparatus for recording a voice message input via the telephone set. Further, the facsimile machine includes a second switch for coupling the telephone set to the direct-current source when the voice message input via the telephone set is recorded on the voice message recording apparatus and for alternatively coupling the telephone set to the communication line in a state where the telephone set is disconnected from the direct-current source.

Abstract: A change-over system for automatic answering telephony and facsimile reception in a facsimile apparatus capable of connecting an automatic answering telephone set thereto. The time interval until the automatic answering telephone set reaches an off-hook state from the beginning of the ringing is detected, thereby allowing the time of the beginning of the ringing of the said automatic answering telephone set to be altered by a correction function.

Abstract: An answering machine is coupled to a multi-line switching system which in turn is coupled to a plurality of incoming telephone lines in parallel with the telephone equipment or the like which is also connected to the incoming telephone lines. The switching system includes a controller for switching an incoming call on any of the incoming lines to the answering machine after a preselected number of rings including zero rings. The controller picks-up and holds an incoming call on any of the lines whenever the answering machine is busy processing a previously received call, and connects the thus held call to the answering maching upon completion of the processing of the previously received call by the answering machine. The controller scans the incoming lines and senses when incoming calls are received.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine with a built in telephone that incorporates a mechanism for retrieving messages under a variety of operating conditions has the ability to access messages through the telephone handset to ensure privacy, while not interfering with normal telephone usage. The messages can also be played back through the speaker of the unit.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telehpone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation by either of the parties.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering machine of the kind employing a microcomputer for switching from one mode of operation to another is arranged to switch from the "stop" mode to the "automatic answer" mode in response to recurring ring signals transmitted during an incoming phone call, provided those signals meet criteria such as duration of ring, length of interval between successive rings, and a minimum period of recurring ring signals. The mode switching arrangement causes the machine to switch to the "automatic answer" mode and then answer the call during the same phone call to enable the caller to confirm by receipt of the machine's outgoing announcement that the mode switch has occurred.

Abstract: A telephone answering device with TV telephone for receiving and displaying a picture signal sent from a calling party through a telephone line, in the intermission of ringing signals, so that a called party can confirm who is calling by seeing the picture signal on the TV display. The picture signal as well as an incoming message from the calling party is recorded in a recording medium to be reproduced manually by the called party at home or remotely from a remote location. The TV telephone has a line which is common with or separate from the line of the telephone answering device.

Abstract: Subscriber's interface enabling the connection of otherwise incompatible telephone device systems (hereinafter "(Z)") to a single telephone line, each telephone device system having devices such as: a computer modem (hereinafter "(F)"), an automatic answering machine (hereinafter "(A)"), and telephone sets (hereinafter "(T)"). When a ring signal is received from the central office, the interface allows a first device, such as (A) or (T) to answer the call, and monitors the communication between the calling party and the first device bearing in mind its various operating modes. Based on the monitored conversation, the interface determines if the call should be connected to a second device, such as (F). If so, an actuating signal is sent to (F), whereupon when (F) becomes OFF HOOK, it is connected to the telephone line. If the first device is an automatic answering machine, its various operating modes include: outgoing message, incoming message, beeperless remote mode.

Abstract: In an auto telephone answering apparatus for playing back an outgoing message recorded on a magnetic tape and sending the outgoing message to a calling party and for recording an incoming message from the calling party on the magnetic tape, an auto answer mode is set for automatically connecting telephone lines to the auto telephone answering apparatus upon detection of an incoming call from the calling party, playing the outgoing message recorded on the magnetic tape, and setting an incoming call wait state for recording the incoming message from the calling party on the magnetic tape after playback of the outgoing message, an end of playback of the incoming message or messages recorded on the magnetic tape is detected in a playback mode and results in an incoming message end signal, and a control causes establishment of the auto answer setting mode in response to the incoming message end signal.

Abstract: A control circuit for a telephone answering device provides the capability of disconnecting the telephone answering device from a telephone line and powering a microphone contained within a telephone handset connected to the telephone answering device. Recording of outgoing messages can then be done through the telephone set thus reducing background and tape noise. The control circuit also provides the capability of disabling the functions of the telephone answering device when any telephone set, connected to the same telephone line as the telephone answering device, is taken off-hook.

Abstract: A telephone ringing adapter has a preset number of ringing tones of a calling signal applied from a telephone call diverting device or the like. When the incoming ringing number coincides with the preset number, a relay is energized so that the calling signal is applied to a conventional telephone answering device which is connected to the adapter to comprise a loop circuit and take a message from the calling party. After the hang-up of the calling party, the relay is released and it returns to standby mode for the next call. So, even when the final call diverted party doesn't answer the call, it is possible for a general telephone answering device to operate the automatic answering and recording function for the calling party after the preset number of calling signals.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telephone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation, for instance, pushing of a button by either of the parties.

Abstract: A message telephone with message recording and reproducing function equipped with remote control switch is disclosed. The message telephone has a calling signal identification circuit and after counting a predetermined number of calling signals, if the calling party once disconnects the call and orginates a second call within a predetermined time interval the device works as a message telephone after providing an identifying MF signal pass-word to work various message functions under control of the remote calling party.

Abstract: Apparatus for answering an incoming call over a single telephone line and for automatically switching the call between a telephone and a carrier signal-based device as appropriate. There is a three position switch for switching a telephone line connected thereto between first, second and third output positions thereof. The switch has the telephone operably connected to the second output position thereof and the carrier signal-based device connected to the third output position thereof.

Abstract: Control circuit for an answering machine having an electrical unit in parallel therewith including a controller for causing a first photocoupler to be conductive for a predetermined time period to discharge a capacitor when the machine goes into an on line state and, thereafter, causing the voltage across the telephone lines to charge the capacitor via a rectifier unit; a second photocoupler for detecting a voltage drop across the telephone lines caused by picking up said unit while the machine is in its on line state while using the voltage across the capacitor as a reference, whereby the controller returns the machine to its standby state after a predetermined time from the occurrance of the voltage drop.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering device has a timer energized when the device is set in a mode other than an automatic standby mode. A time-out output from the timer upon elapse of a preset timer's time and an output corresponding to a ringing signal are supplied to an AND gate. The device is controlled to automatically make an engaging loop circuit in response to an output from the AND gate and works as a telephone answering device to answer a call.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which has an automatic answering telephone function. The system comprises a main control unit, a telephone control unit, a voice information storage medium, a program unit for automatic telephone answering and processing, a program unit for performing data processing, and a mode setting circuit for setting the automatic telephone answering and the data processing to be performed. Either of the above program units may be started for operation by the mode setting circuit.

Abstract: A telephone answering device using voice synthesizer as an outgoing message generating device, which playbacks outgoing message through built-in loudspeaker for confirmation in standby mode, even if occasional incoming call is received during confirmation of outgoing message, makes reset instantly then transmits outgoing message from its beginning to the calling party.

Abstract: A record/play unit and a tape controller in an automatic telephone answering device with a paging function that sets an incoming message tape in a record mode in response to a beep tone generated upon completion of the sending of a first, normal, outgoing message and a second outgoing message for providing a paging procedure to a caller when an incoming message is not recorded by the caller after the beep tone is generated. The controller thereafter drives an engaging section in response to a special code sent by the calling party. The engaging section temporarily disengages the device from the telepone lines and then engages the device with the telephone lines again. Subsequently, a DTMF oscillator is operated to dial a prestored telephone number.

Abstract: A cordless telephone having a base unit with automatic telephone answering function and a portable unit has an engaging means for forming an engaging circuit upon an incoming call from a calling party, when the portable unit is kept in the off-hook state over a preset period of time during sending of outgoing message from the base unit, and an outgoing message inhibiting circuit which activated by output of preset timer means and inhibit outgoing message then both parties' conversation can be recorded in recording means on base unit which is set in stand-by mode.

Abstract: A switching apparatus is proposed which automatically switches between a telephone set connected to a telephone line and a terminal device for data communication in accordance with a signal sent through the telephone line. When an incoming call signal is detected, the telephone lines are engaged with the telephone set, and a response signal is sent out onto the telephone line. Thereafter, when a control signal or the like is received by the switching apparatus, the terminal device is automatically engaged with the telephone line. When the control signal is not sent to the switching apparatus, the called party can communicate with the calling party when the telephone set is set in the off-hook state.

Abstract: An adapter circuit and system for coupling a telephone answering machine to two telephone lines. The adapter may be set so that the telephone answering machine will answer one or the other of the telephone lines, as determined by setting a mode selector switch to an "automatic" position; so that the telephone answering machine will answer only one of the telephone lines as determined by setting the mode selector switch to a "Line #1" position, or so that the telephone answering machine will answer only the other of the telephone lines by setting the mode selector switch to the "Line #2" position.

Abstract: A cordless telephone having a base unit with automatic telephone answering function and a portable unit has an engaging means for forming an engaging circuit upon an incoming call from a calling party, when the portable unit is kept in the off-hook state over a preset period of time during sending of outgoing message from the base unit, and an outgoing message inhibiting circuit which activated by output of preset timer means and inhibit outgoing message then both parties' conversation can be recorded in recording means on base unit which is set in stand-by mode.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine with a built in telephone that incorporates a mechanism for retrieving messages under a variety of operating conditions has the ability to access messages through the telephone handset to ensure privacy, while not interfering with normal telephone usage. The messages can also be played back through the speaker of the unit.