Telephone-consumer message units computer

Claim 1

A consumer telephone message-unit calculating device comprising in combination: a constant-rate computer means for intermittent use with consecutive telephone calls having a predetermined plurality of different-rate message-units positions for initiating message unit signals each indicative of a predetermined number of message units corresponding to that particular signal programmed for a predetermined time period; variable message unit-selector means for providing separate selection of any of several message unit-positions each corresponding to one predetermined position of said plurality and for initiating said signal to add-in a predetermined constant for said one position, there being a separate predetermined constant for each of said plurality; and a message unit cumulativetotaling means connected for receiving and totaling said signals; said combination being such that counted-cumulative signals for any combination of the rate positions over a period of time for a plurality of said uses approximates total message unit charges by a telephone company, said computer means including a constant rate electrical motor, and at least one revolvable programmed element having separate programmed positions corresponding to said plurality also being included, said means for initiating said add-in-constant signal comprising a biasing spring, a pivoted lever biased by said spring, and a mechanical connector operatively connected to said lever to cause said counter means to register one said signal when said lever is moved against biasing tension of said spring, said means for providing separate selection comprising a sliding element operatively connected to said lever such that said lever is slidable sidewardly to align said connector with any one of said separate positions, said programmed element at any one of said separate positions being substantially cylindrical in shape and rotatable and having a circumscribing rounded surface, as a wheel around a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical element and having spaced along and in said surface a predetermined number of contact means for initiating said signals, said contact means including at least one slot where there are a plurality of said slots, the plurality being spaced around said circumscribing surface, and said connector when aligned being ridable on said surface and movable into and outof said slot and said plurality of slots whenever said revolvable element is revolvably rotated by said motor, said slot taking-up an area equal to about one twenty-fourth on said circumscribing rounded surface, said constant rate motor rotating said surface at a rate of about one revolution for each 2 to 6 minutes, and said revolvable element having at least four of said separate positions and said slidable lever having at least five alternately selectable sites, a first site corresponding to at least one non-aligned position for said initiating said add-inconstant signal, and the remainder of the five sites corresponding to respective ones of aligned selectable sites.