US3688044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic telephone answering apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-02-03
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1991-02-03
Abstract
Abstract An automatic telephone answering apparatus which keeps recording an incoming message as long as the pause time is not over a certain period, for example 10 seconds. The apparatus, however, stops recording after a maximum recording time, for example 60 seconds.
Inventors
- 👤 Akira Konno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 09:11
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/64; H04M1/65; H04M1/654
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
An automatic telephone answering apparatus for connection to a telephone line comprising: a. first switching means, which operates in response to a ringing current on said telephone line, for maintaining a connection between said telephone line and said apparatus; b. second switching means connected to said telephone line for operating in response to an incoming message signal, said second switching means being in a non-operating state when connected to said telephone line and no incoming message signal is being received; c. first timer means, connected to said second switching means, said first timer means having a first time period wherein said first timer means progresses through said first time period only when said second switching means is operating in response to an incoming message signal wherein said first time period is the maximum time in which said apparatus is connected to said telephone line, said first timer means causing said first switching means to cease operation after said first time period; and d. second timer means, connected to said second switching means, said second timer means having a second time period which is shorter than said first time period, said second timer being reset by each operation of said second switching means, wherein said second time period is the maximum time in which said apparatus is connected to said telephone line when no incoming message signal is received, said second timer means causing said first switching means to cease operation after the completion of said second time period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
An automatic telephone answering apparatus for connection to a telephone line comprising: a. first switching means, which operates in response to a ringing current on said telephone line, for maintaining a connection between said telephone line and said apparatus; b. second switching means connected to said telephone line for operating in response to an incoming message signal, said second switching means being in a non-operating state when connected to said telephone line and no incoming message signal is being received; c. first timer means, connected to said second switching means, said first timer means having a first time period wherein said first timer means progresses through said first time period only when said second switching means is operating in response to an incoming message signal wherein said first time period is the maximum time in which said apparatus is connected to said telephone line, said first timer means causing said first switching means to cease operation after said first time period; and d. second timer means, connected to said second switching means, said second timer means having a second time period which is shorter than said first time period, said second timer being reset by each operation of said second switching means, wherein said second time period is the maximum time in which said apparatus is connected to said telephone line when no incoming message signal is received, said second timer means causing said first switching means to cease operation after the completion of said second time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The automatic telephone answering apparatus of claim 1 further including means coupled to said first switching means for sending a message to a calling party in response to the operation of said first switching means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The automatic telephone answering apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for sending a message to a calling party further includes means for causing said second switching means to be connected to said telephone line after said message has been sent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
The telephone answering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second switching means comprises a solid state switching means and a relay connected in a series circuit wherein the receipt of an incoming message signal operates said solid state switching means to energize said relay whereby the energization of said relay switches a contact of said relay to cause said first timer means to progress through said first timer period.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The telephone answering apparatus of claim 4 wherein said relay includes a contact connected in said second timer circuit wherein the energization of said relay causes said contact to complete a circuit for resetting said second timer means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2815401A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |