US3553382A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toll call signalling and diverting system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1967-08-04
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Granted: 1971-01-05
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Expires: 1987-08-04
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus adapted to be coupled to a telephone instrument for counting and storing the dial impulses of the initial digits of a number being dialed, and for applying the stored count to a gating circuit to determine if that call is a ''''toll'''' call. The gating circuit output can be used either to provide audible and/or visible signals, or can be utilized to interrupt the telephone circuits and prevent completion of the call. When used in conjunction with telephone instruments having more than one line for serving different calling areas, the gating circuit output can be used to signal if, for a given call, the ''''least expensive'''' line is being utilized.
Inventors
- 👤 Sidney G Knox
- 👤 Richard N Reynen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:16
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/66; H04M1/677
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
In combination with a telephone system and a telephone instrument alternatively connectable to first and second telephone service areas, wherein predetermined calling codes represent toll calls in one of the service areas and toll-free calls in the other of the service areas, apparatus to prevent toll calls from the instrument comprising: a. count storage means coupled to the telephone instrument for storing signals representing the digits of the calling codes representing telephone service areas being dialed; b. comparison matrix means connected to said count storage means and operable in response to stored signals for generating first signals representing permitted calling codes for the first telephone service area and second signals representing permitted calling codes for the second telephone service area; c. signalling means connected to the telephone instrument and said comparison matrix means for signalling forbidden combinations in response to first signals when the instrument is connected to the second telephone area, and in response to second signals when the instrument is connected to the first telephone area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
In combination with a telephone system and a telephone instrument alternatively connectable to first and second telephone service areas, wherein predetermined calling codes represent toll calls in one of the service areas and toll-free calls in the other of the service areas, apparatus to prevent toll calls from the instrument comprising: a. count storage means coupled to the telephone instrument for storing signals representing the digits of the calling codes representing telephone service areas being dialed; b. comparison matrix means connected to said count storage means and operable in response to stored signals for generating first signals representing permitted calling codes for the first telephone service area and second signals representing permitted calling codes for the second telephone service area; c. signalling means connected to the telephone instrument and said comparison matrix means for signalling forbidden combinations in response to first signals when the instrument is connected to the second telephone area, and in response to second signals when the instrument is connected to the first telephone area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 1 above, further including disconnect means connected to said signalling means and the telephone instrument, operable in response to said forbidden combination signals to disconnect the instrument from the telephone system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 1 above, further including alarm means connected to said signalling means for providing audible and visible alarms in response to applied forbidden combination signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
177 words
For use with a telephone system in which two exchanges are sufficient to provide toll-free calling of other local exchanges within the calling area, the combination with the telephone system including a telephone instrument alternatively connectable to each of the two exchanges; of a toll call signalling device comprising: a. dial impulse recognizing means coupled to the instrument for converting each digit dialed into a stored electrical signal of numerical significance corresponding to the digit dialed; b. comparison means connected to said recognizing means for signalling predetermined correspondence between stored electrical signals corresponding to digits dialed and digit combinations representing toll calls for only one of the two exchanges; and c. alarm means coupled to the telephone instrument And connected to said comparison means for generating an alarm signal in response to signals representing connection to a one of the telephone lines and comparison means signals representing a toll call for that telephone line, and to signals representing connections to the other of the telephone lines and the absence of comparison means signals representing a toll call.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
177 words
For use with a telephone system in which two exchanges are sufficient to provide toll-free calling of other local exchanges within the calling area, the combination with the telephone system including a telephone instrument alternatively connectable to each of the two exchanges; of a toll call signalling device comprising: a. dial impulse recognizing means coupled to the instrument for converting each digit dialed into a stored electrical signal of numerical significance corresponding to the digit dialed; b. comparison means connected to said recognizing means for signalling predetermined correspondence between stored electrical signals corresponding to digits dialed and digit combinations representing toll calls for only one of the two exchanges; and c. alarm means coupled to the telephone instrument And connected to said comparison means for generating an alarm signal in response to signals representing connection to a one of the telephone lines and comparison means signals representing a toll call for that telephone line, and to signals representing connections to the other of the telephone lines and the absence of comparison means signals representing a toll call.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-04 | 1974-07-06 | 1975-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-04 | 1978-07-06 | 1979-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-07-06 | 1983-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |