Wiretap detector and telephone loop monitor

• US 5,142,560 A
• Filed: 09/25/1990
• Issued: 08/25/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark J. Neer
• Original Assignee: Mark J. Neer
• Inventors: Neer, Mark J.
• Primary Examiner(s): SCHREYER, STAFFORD
• Application Number:
  US07/587,413
• Time in Patent Office: 700 Days
• Field of Search: 379/7, 379/21, 379/29, 379/30, 379/39, 379/35
• US Class Current: 379/7
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/68 Circuit arrangements for preventing eavesdropping

Abstract

A novel method and improved system for the continuous detection monitoring of authorized/unauthorized connections/disconnections including loop bridging wiretapping equipment capable of monitoring recording voice and/or data communications on the subscriber'"'"'s local telephone loop.

In operation the detector monitor displays electrical changes in impedance condition and characteristics on the subscriber'"'"'s local telephone loop to detect and monitor signaling, switching equipment and telephone lines connecting/disconnecting anywhere on the loop including the central exchange before, during and after the completion of a telephone call continuously.

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting the connecting and the disconnecting of an additional telephone line onto the subscriber'"'"'s telephone loop for the purpose of listening and/or recording, the telephone loop connecting a subscriber with at least one telephone to a central exchange and having a generally constant electrical impedance, comprising:

(a) a capacitive element for detecting changes to said generally constant electrical impedance;

(b) display means cooperating with and connected to said capacitive element for visually showing that a change has been detected by said capacitive element; and

(c) means for connecting the apparatus to the telephone loop.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said capacitive element is a capacitor connected in series to the telephone loop.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said display means is a LED.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means to connect comprises a quick connect/disconnect line and jack.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for connecting the apparatus to the telephone loop additionally includes a switching mechanism connected in series with said capacitive element to the telephone loop.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said display means comprises an easily removable/replaceable LED mounted in a socket assembly.

5. An apparatus for continuously monitoring changes in impedance caused by the connecting or the disconnecting of an additional impedance source to a telephone loop connecting a subscriber with at least one telephone to a central exchange and having a generally constant electrical impedance, comprising:

(a) a capacitive element for detecting changes to the generally constant electrical impedance;

(b) an isolation transformer having primary and secondary windings, said primary windings being connected to said capacitive element;

(c) display means connected to said secondary windings for visually showing that a change has been detected by said capacitive element; and

(d) means for connecting the apparatus to the telephone loop.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said capacitive element is a capacitor connected in series to the telephone loop.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said display means is a LED.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means to connect comprises a quick connect/disconnect line and jack.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for connecting the apparatus to the telephone loop additionally includes a switching mechanism connected in series with said capacitive element to the telephone loop.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said display means comprises an easily removable/replaceable LED mounted in a socket assembly.