Telephone calling card dialer

• US 5,963,637 A
• Filed: 04/03/1997
• Issued: 10/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Corey C. Arzoumanian
• Original Assignee: Corey C. Arzoumanian
• Inventors: Arzoumanian, Corey C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HSIEH, SHIH WEN
• Application Number:
  US08/825,812
• Time in Patent Office: 915 Days
• Field of Search: 379/216, 379/354, 379/355
• US Class Current: 379/357.03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27485 Appending a prefix to or inserting a pause into a dialling sequence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/275 implemented by means of portable electronic directories

Abstract

A dedicated telephone dialer capable, in one embodiment, of automatically dialing a preprogrammed calling card abbreviated telephone number at one speed, waiting for a short period and then dialing a preprogrammed access number and, optionally, a preprogrammed personal identification number (PIN) at a slower speed. In second and third embodiments the dedicated telephone dialer is capable of automatically dialing a preprogrammed calling card abbreviated telephone number at one speed upon first activation and, dialing a preprogrammed access number and, optionally, a preprogrammed PIN at a slower speed, upon second activation. This invention comprises electrical circuitry for generating DTMF tones, logic for dialing the requisite numbers, and a switch, or switches in the case of the third embodiment, for initiating the dialing sequence or sequences. The electrical circuitry includes a replaceable power source, a number generating device, and a tone generating device. The dialing logic is contained in a microprocessor. The circuitry and logic device are all contained within a case which includes a grille to allow penetration of the DTMF tones. The switch is mounted on the exterior of the case. To use this invention it is held up to the transmitter of an off-hook telephone handset, the first digit of the access number is dialed from the telephone keypad then the switch or switches on this invention are activated.

Claims

1. A dedicated telephone dialer comprising:

a. a case having an interior cavity and a grille;

b. generating means, contained in said cavity, for generating DTMF tones corresponding to a specific abbreviated telephone number at a first speed, waiting for a short period, and then generating DTMF tones corresponding to a specific access number at a second speed;

said second speed being slower than said first speed;

a telephone number having eleven digits starting with a "1" and a toll free area code;

an abbreviated telephone number having ten digits and being equal to said telephone number minus the initial "1"; and

c. initiating means, mounted on said case and electrically connected to said generating means, for initiating said generating means;

whereby authorized connection to a calling card system is made by removing a receiver from a telephone, dialing said inital "1" on said telephone, placing the grille of said dedicated telephone dialer adjacent to the transmitter of said receiver and initiating said dedicated telephone dialer by said initiating means.

2. A dedicated phone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which, additionally, said generating means finally generates DTMF tones corresponding to a specific PIN at said second speed.

3. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said generating means is a replaceable power source, a microprocessor, a number generating device, and a tone generating device, all electrically connected together.

4. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said initiating means is a push button switch.

5. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said case is shaped like a thin disk.

6. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 5 in which said case is adapted to be fastened to and removed from a wrist strap with relative ease.

7. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said case is thin and rectangular, and adapted to be carried in a wallet.

8. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said case is a watch case of a wristwatch.

9. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 8 in which said watch case has a front and a rear and said grille is located in said rear.

10. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 8 in which said watch case is adapted to be fastened to and removed from a watch strap.

11. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said case is a pager.

12. A dedicated telephone dialer as claimed in claim 1 in which said case is one of a wristwatch and pager.

13. A method of building, programming and using a telephone dialer capable of functioning as a calling card comprising the steps of:

a. providing a case having an exterior, an interior cavity, and a grille;

b. installing a switch on said exterior;

c. installing within said cavity a generating means for generating DTMF tones;

d. connecting said switch to said generating means;

e. programming said generating means to generate, upon activation by said switch, DTMF tones corresponding to a specific abbreviated telephone number at a first speed, to wait for a short period, and then to generate DTMF tones corresponding to a specific access number at a second speed;

said second speed being slower than said first speed;

a telephone number having eleven digits starting with a "1" and a toll free area code;

an abbreviated telephone number having ten digits and being equal to said telephone number minus the initial "1";

f. removing a receiver from a telephone;

g. dialing said inital "1" on said telephone;

h. placing the grille of said dedicated telephone dialer adjacent to the transmitter of said receiver; and

i. operating said dedicated telephone dialer by activating said switch.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of additionally programming said generating means to finally, additionally, generate DTMF tones corresponding a specific PIN at said second speed.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 in which said dedicated telephone dialer is capable of use with one of a wristwatch and pager.