Call box apparatus

• US 6,060,979 A
• Filed: 04/08/1997
• Issued: 05/09/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CNE Group, Inc. (Arrow Resources Development, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Gary Eichsteadt
• Inventors: Eichsteadt, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Application Number:
  US08/835,505
• Time in Patent Office: 1,127 Days
• Field of Search: 340/286.06, 340/287, 340/297, 340/307, 379/37, 379/45, 379/58, 379/59, 379/424, 379/438, 379/432, 379/437, 379/420, 379/422
• US Class Current: 340/287
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/04 for emergency applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/03 Power distribution arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2201/10 Housing details

Abstract

A call box apparatus includes a controller unit, a radio frequency audio transceiver unit controlled by the controller unit, and a sensor assembly connected to the controller unit for controlling operation of the controller unit. A power supply assembly, an audio storage assembly, an output speaker unit, and an input microphone unit are connected to the controller unit. A housing assembly houses the controller unit, the radio frequency audio transceiver unit, the sensor assembly, the power supply assembly, the audio storage assembly, the output speaker unit, and the input microphone unit. The housing assembly includes a hinged door. The housing assembly includes a first housing portion which supports the door, and a second housing portion which supports the first housing portion. The door includes a door lock assembly. The sensor assembly includes an open-door sensor and a key-operated switch assembly. The power supply assembly includes a rechargeable battery. A solar panel assembly and a power supply interface assembly are connected to the rechargeable battery and the solar panel assembly. When the door is opened, an automatic sequence takes place. Power is applied to the radio frequency audio transceiver unit and all logic circuits. The radio transmits an alarm tone (warble) and a voice message identifying the call box apparatus. A second voice message emanates from the output speaker unit to deliver user instructions. At this point, the call box apparatus becomes a two-way radio station.

Claims

1. A call box apparatus, comprising:

a controller unit;

a radio frequency audio transceiver unit positioned in electrical communication with and controlled by said controller unit;

a sensor assembly connected to said controller unit for controlling operation of said controller unit;

a power supply assembly connected to said controller unit;

an output speaker unit connected to said controller unit;

an input microphone unit connected to said controller unit;

an audio storage assembly connected to said controller unit, said audio storage assembly including a first voice message, the audio storage assembly being positioned in electrical communication with said radio frequency audio transceiver unit;

wherein said first voice message is automatically transmitted by said radio frequency audio transceiver unit when said sensor assembly is actuated; and

said audio storage assembly includes a second voice message, wherein said second voice message is automatically generated through said output speaker unit after said first voice message is transmitted by said radio frequency audio transceiver unit.

2. The of call box apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first voice message comprises a call box identification message.

3. The of call box apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second voice message comprises user instructions.

4. The of call box apparatus of claim 3, wherein said user instructions comprise:

"Press and hold the button to talk, release the button to listen, please speak clearly."

5. The of call box apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a tampering sensor positioned in electrical communication with said controller,

wherein said audio storage assembly includes a third voice message, wherein said third voice message is automatically transmitted by said radio frequency audio transceiver unit upon actuation of said tampering sensor.

6. A call box apparatus, comprising:

a controller unit;

a radio frequency audio transceiver unit positioned in electrical communication with and controlled by said controller unit;

a sensor assembly connected to said controller unit for controlling operation of said controller unit;

a power supply assembly connected to said controller unit;

an output speaker unit connected to said controller unit;

an input microphone unit connected to said controller unit;

an audio storage assembly connected to said controller unit, said audio storage assembly including a first voice message, the audio storage assembly being positioned in electrical communication with said radio frequency audio transceiver unit;

wherein said first voice message is automatically transmitted by said radio frequency audio transceiver unit when said sensor assembly is actuated;

a door normally maintaining said controller unit sealed and adapted to be opened to permit access to said controller unit in said open condition, said door being operatively coupled to said sensor assembly such that opening of said door is effective to activate said audio storage assembly and automatically transmit said first voice message.

7. The call box apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first voice message comprises a call box identification message.

8. The call box apparatus of claim 6, further including alarm circuit means, said alarm circuit means being operatively coupled to said sensor assembly such that opening of said door is effective to cause said alarm circuit means to transmit an alarm to a remote location.