Phone screen security system

• US 4,860,347 A
• Filed: 08/10/1988
• Issued: 08/22/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lloyd M. Costello
• Original Assignee: Lloyd M. Costello
• Inventors: Costello, Lloyd M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dwyer, James L.
• Application Number:
  US07/230,362
• Time in Patent Office: 377 Days
• Field of Search: 379/188, 379/199, 379/200, 379/373, 379/374, 379/375, 379/194
• US Class Current: 379/199
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/665 by checking the validity of a code
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/673 the user being required to key in a code
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/903 Password

Abstract

A phone screen security system for blocking unwanted incoming phone calls and unauthorized outgoing phone calls includes a ringer pick up circuit which is actuated by a conventional ring signal of an incoming call on an outside phone line. The ringer pick up circuit actuates a voice synthesizer which requests a caller to input a security code. The input tone signal is transmitted to a code detect circuit which compares the input signal with a preprogammed security code. A timing circuit is connected to the code detect circuit and the ringer pick up circuit for disconnecting the outside phone line after a predetermined time interval if a correct security code is not detected. If a caller inputs the correct security code, the voice synthesizer is actuated to inform the caller. If an incorrect security code is input, the caller is disconnected. The code detect circuit connects the incoming call to a lines select relay if the correct security code is entered. The line select relay routes the call to the correct inside phone line and includes a ringer circuit for sending a ring signal to the appropriate inside phone line.

Claims

1. A phone screen security system for blocking unwanted incoming phone calls and unauthorized outgoing phone calls, comprising:

a housing;

outside connection means in said housing for connection with an outside phone line;

pick up circuit means in said housing for detecting a ring signal on said outside phone line;

voice synthesizer means in said housing for requesting a security code input from a caller on said outside phone line;

relay means actuated by said pick up circuit means for connecting said voice synthesizer means to said outside phone line;

programmable code detect means for comparing a tone signal from said outside phone line with a programmed security code;

said code detect means actuated by said voice synthesizer means;

timing circuit means connected to said code detect means and said pick up circuit means for disconnecting said outside phone line after a predetermined time interval if a correct security code is not detected;

said code detect means actuating said voice synthesizer means to inform a caller of a correct security code input;

line select relay means connected to a plurality of inside phone lines;

relay means activated by said code detect means for connecting said outside phone line to said line select relay means;

ringer means for sending a ring signal to one of said plurality of said inside phone lines;

a power connection on said housing for connection with a conventional source of 120 VAC;

transformer means in said housing for reducing said 120 VAC to 48 VAC;

power supply means in said housing for dividing said 48 VAC into 24 VDC supply to said line select relay means and 96 VAC to said ringer means;

a four position switch connected to said line select relay means;

said switch having an OFF position in which said inside phone lines are connected to said outside phone lines;

said switch having an AUTO position in which said inside phone lines are connected to said pick up circuit means and bypass said code detect means;

said switch having a CODE position in which said inside phone lines are connected to said code detect means and a correct security code must be input to access said outside phone line; and

said switch having a PROGRAM position which connects said inside phone lines for programming respective security codes into said programmable code detect means.