Patent US3944752A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3944752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Telephone line status indicator
Assignee: North Hills Signal Processing Corp
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Filing: 1974-11-01
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Granted: 1976-03-16
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Expires: 1994-11-01
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore Stearn
- 👤 Paul V. De Luca
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:46
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/60; H04M3/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent 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 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.
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) | 1979-03-16 | 1979-09-15 | 1980-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-16 | 1983-09-15 | 1984-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-16 | 1987-09-15 | 1988-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |