Independent Technologies, Inc.

Joseph T Tousignant

Dennis C Blood

Daryl E Ingalsbe

Joseph M Walsh

Gerald A Baker

A method for communicating data from one or more remote computerized coin telephone auditing devices to a central computer via a telephone line, which comprises the steps of receiving input data signals at a remote computerized auditing device, decoding the input data signals into digital data, and processing and storing the data signals. The digital data are then retrieved. The processing, storing and retrieving steps are accomplished by reading and writing the digital data from volatile memory to a non-volatile memory, and from non-volatile memory to volatile memory. The digital data is coded into corresponding output data signals, and are transmitted to the central computer via the telephone line. The receiving and transmitting steps are accomplished by the exchange of a predetermined sequence of data signals, whereby the remote computerized device and the central computer correctly identify each data signal. Finally, the method periodically disrupts the method for a predetermined time period, whereby power consumption by the remote computerized device is temporarily disrupted.

Method of communicating data from remote devices to a central computer

Apparatus for auditing the usage and indicating the status of a remote coin telephone system to a central computer via a telephone line. The apparatus comprises a power conversion and supply section connected to the telephone line and which derives current from it. The power conversion and supply section has a capacitor for periodically storing and providing electric charge. A microcontroller is connected to the power conversion and supply section. The apparatus also comprises a data signal reception and transmission section, which is connected to the microcontroller and to the telephone line, and a circuit section which detects telephone line voltage, current and frequency signals connected to the telephone line, which are a function of the operation of the audited coin telephone system. Finally the apparatus has a program logic residing in the microcontroller, which receives data signals and waveforms pertaining to the operation of the audited coin telephone system and reports them to the central computer at predetermined time intervals. The program logic also periodically disrupts power usage by the apparatus.

Monitoring system for remote devices

A switch comprising a printed circuit board, including at least two conductive paths arranged in a predetermined pattern on a first surface of the printed circuit board; a depressible elastomeric actuation structure connected to the printed circuit board and having a conductive contact constructed and arranged so that it establishes contact with and between each conductive path of the printed circuit board upon depression of the actuation structure; a pair of conductors connecting the conductive paths to an external electronic apparatus; and a mounting assembly to mount the printed circuit board to an external surface.

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Cottage Grove, MN, United States of America

Joseph T Tousignant