Abstract A device for indicating the status of one or more individual telephone lines with respect to whether the receiver is off hook or ringing without the necessity of dialing the line. A light-emitting diode and a neon lamp are positioned adjacent a discrete aperture visible to a user. The light-emitting diode responds to the presence of 24-volt normal tip line current, and is protected by a Zener diode against dial pulse currents employing ringing voltage. The neon lamp, in conjunction with a condensor carries the ringing current, and is so positioned adjacent the light-emitting diode that a glow in the neon tube is made to appear as an illumination of the light-emitting diode, whereby both bosy conditions appear to be indicated on the same light source.
An improved telephone line status indicator adapted to be connected to the tip and ring circuits of a telephone line to indicate the presence of tip and ring currents, comprising: a light-emitting diode, a Zener diode connected in parallel with said light-emitting diode, said light-emitting diode and Zener diode being connected in series with said tip circuit; a neon lamp in series with said ring circuit; and means for supporting said neon lamp and light-emitting diode for display in juxtaposed relation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
An improved telephone line status indicator adapted to be connected to the tip and ring circuits of a telephone line to indicate the presence of tip and ring currents, comprising: a light-emitting diode, a Zener diode connected in parallel with said light-emitting diode, said light-emitting diode and Zener diode being connected in series with said tip circuit; a neon lamp in series with said ring circuit; and means for supporting said neon lamp and light-emitting diode for display in juxtaposed relation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
Structure in accordance with claim 1, including audible signal means and solid-state switch means in series with said ring circuit causing said audible means to operate upon the detection by said switch means of a ringing current.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
Structure in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in said display means including a lamp support member supporting in juxtaposed relation a light-emitting diode and a neon lamp inter-connected to a single telephone line, means shielding direct view of said neon lamp by a user, said last mentioned means providing a visual opening overlying said light-emitting diode; whereby light emanating from said neon lamp may fall upon an outer surface of said light-emitting diode and give the appearance of said light-emitting diode in illuminated state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
Structure in accordance with claim 3, further characterized in said lamp support member having a plurality of recesses therein, each accommodating a related light-emitting diode and neon lamp, said shielding means having a corresponding plurality of openings overlying the light-emitting diode disposed in each said recess.