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Remote operational screener

1. The circuitry for remote operation is generally well known in the art A possible embodiment of a Remote may include the capability to remotely record onto an answering machine from a Remote with microphone 280 FIG 4B and record control button switch 275 FIG 4B The circuitry for such is generally well known in the art This remote recording function could be used for such as remotely recording outgoing announcements on an answer ing machine and or for leaving memo messages on an answering machine from for example another room in the house An embodiment of a Remote can be manufactured so that the user can hear a telephone s ring or some kind of alarm signal through a Remote without having to be near or within earshot of a telephone s ring This can provide for if by chance the user has his telephone ringer off or can t hear his telephone ringer the user hearing the ringing signal from a Remote will still be alert to the fact that a call is about to come through so that he may then listen screen through his Remote If an embodiment of a Remote exists that does include a ringing signal that embodiment might also include a switch to turn that Remote s ringing signal OFF or ON 223 FIG 3A An embodiment of a Remote may have any LED light up or flash in conjunction with a ringing signal or instead of a ringing signal A lit or flashing LED would be an extra alert in case a user can not hear a ringing signal
2. cordless receiver unit h In Scordato s invention a cordless telephone handset receiver needs recharging at a home base unit Therefore because a cordless telephone receiver consistently needs recurring recharging or sometimes full charging the receiver is not always capable of being in a convenient or remote location where a user may happen to be The same is true of the cordless telephone version of Caller ID as it also needs recharging at a home base unit Therefore it also is not always capable of being in a convenient or remote location where a user may happen to be i In Scordato s invention the only way to turn the screening mode Off and On has its location in the cordless telephone handset receiver unit Because there is no separate On Off switch on the matching answering machine base unit itself to keep the screening mode on the cordless telephone handset receiver from operating to disable the screen mode on the cordless handset receiver at the user s discretion this does not afford the user owner with any privacy or control over somebody else picking up the cordless telephone handset receiver and remotely screening the owner s incom ing or recorded calls that were left on his answering machine The user s owner s only option for this would be to turn the whole answering machine unit off Gi In Scordato s invention the answering machine base unit does not have an indicator to show that the screen mode 6
3. message from any convenient place such as i e another remote place room in the house outside of the house etc Depending on embodiment the Remote s are capable of being transported easily for more convenience a user may wish to place a Remote near a telephone of any type of the same extension that is connected to the answering machine the telephone being set up in any area such as outside across the house in another room downstairs etc enabling easy access to pick up the screened phone call should the user option to 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 55 65 10 Because most modern telephone answering devices or machines are of the remote pick up type wherein the answering machine will revert to dormant status immedi ately upon pick up of any telephone extension connected to the same line transmission of the caller s voice to a Remote will also stop upon pick up of any phone extension of the same line in such that the user may then have a private conversation with the caller Depending on embodiment the user may also manipulate any remote operational or function controls and or recording controls that may be located on a Remote enabling the user to access and or operate an answering machine remotely with the Remote from a neighboring area DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While this invention is susceptible of modifications methods of operation and embodiments in many different forms there
4. and still have convenient access to screening his answering machine s calls through the telephone handset and of course as an added bonus be near the telephone handset should he decide that he wants to talk to the caller FIG 8 Another possible embodiment would be for any and or all the functions and capabilities of a Remote to be housed within both a telephone handset or receiver housing of any type of telephone and also the housing of its cradle base or recharger unit FIG 9 Any and or all functions and capabilities of a Remote may be housed within any type of unit including such as a TV set FIG 10 any part of a computer set FIG 11 cellular or digital phone FIG 12 car phone etc An embodiment of a Remote that is included within the housing of a cordless receiver or any type of cordless phone may include audio speaker venting and also may include ON OFF control in regards to screening ability FIG 13 The unit able to externally audibly screen calls from an answering machine through the audio speaker venting An embodiment of a Remote that is included within the housing of a cordless receiver or any type of cordless phone may include a possible AC prong FIG 14 of preferably collapsible shown here in contact with an AC outlet A Remote may also include a Caller ID display or vice versa Any embodiment of a Remote can also incorporate or include a Caller ID display or function example FIG 15 Conversely
5. corded cellular or digital phones can have non 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 26 external remote screening abilities meaning that the remote audible screening of calls can be heard through the normal receiving ear portion or venting of the receiver a Remote s functions and capabilities can be included within a speaker phone a Remotes function s and capabilities that are included within a speaker phone can have the remote audible screen ing of the calls come through the same audio portion or venting as does the normal audio portion of the speaker phone or separately through its own audio portion or venting an ear piece or earphones can be attached to a Remote for private screening use a Remote s functions and or capabilities can be used with phone and or answering systems that are already installed or can be installed within computer systems a Remote s features functions and capabilites may be included within a phone handset or receiver the receiver may be corded or cordless in embodiments of a Remote that are included within a phone handset or receiver the audio speaker venting screening portion may be on the external face of the receiver may surround the receiver may be on the internal face of the receiver in embodiments of a Remote that are included within a phone handset or receiver the external audible screening may come through the same receiving piece or v
6. from a Remote 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 14 due to external noise Depending on embodiment if the user has opted to turn OFF the ringer switch on a Remote he may still be able to be alerted that an incoming telephone call is coming through being made aware by a lit or flashing LED A Remote may include an antenna for optimum reception and or transmission of received and or transmitted signals A Remote s antenna may be manufactured internally 215 ex FIG 3A within the housing of a unit or have a conventional external antenna not shown The use of antennas internal or external are already known in the art An embodiment of a Remote may include a volume control example 220 FIG 3A that may be adjusted in response to signals received from an answering machine whereby the audible sound coming from a Remote may be adjusted higher or lower FIGS 3A and 3D show possible embodiments of Remotes with audio venting or grill 225 with preferred embodiment having audio venting that surrounds a Remote unit for optimum sound emission in all directions This allows for a Remote to be placed at any angle with an ability to transmit externally audible sound in all directions Audible sound emitted from a Remote could be a caller s voice incoming and or recorded and or a telephone ringing sound depending on embodiment FIG 3B shows a possible embodiment of a Remote that includes
7. is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail some preferred modifications and embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplifi cation of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention The present invention allows for a Remote that is capable of interacting with a call receiving and storage device including call answering machine service device or mes sage storage allowing the user to depending on embodiment a conveniently hear and screen incoming calls remotely through the Remote without the caller knowing that he she is being screened and or b remotely operate his answering machine and its various functions through the Remote All possible from a remote area or areas away from or elsewhere from where an answering machine actually resides Answering machine is used in this text to mean any answering machine service answering device or message storage center designed to receive and or store messages In preferred embodiments the Remotes are small in size FIG 1A shows a possible embodiment of a basic Remote without On Off switch or volume control switch the Remote being On and audible as long as power source is available FIG 1B shows another possible
8. machine which most people have especially people who want the ability to screen their phone calls A user would be able to use my invention with any phone or any combination of phones that he may already have as the type of phone used does not 6 104 923 23 matter Also by having an embodiment option that makes possible the use and or inclusion of more than one Remote per answering machine allows for greater economy and broader usage There is no need to buy additional telephone receivers or additional telephone answering machine telephone receiver screener systems as with the Scordato patent which can be expensive to broaden the area of remote screening placement Also there is no need to purchase additional telephone services from a telephone company as there is for the use of a Caller ID unit My invention is also more cost effective for manufactur ers as Since it is less complicated a Remote would be cheaper to build and in turn should be less expensive than the Scordato invention for consumers to buy Less expensive means more affordability for the consumer which in theory equals more chance that consumers will purchase Most households contain at least one answering machine especially by people who want the ability to screen calls Most answering machines are replaced every few years Therefore my invention should be easy to sell not only to consumers but to manufacturers as well Since depending on embo
9. phone FIG 13 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of Remote included within a cordless receiver showing pos sible audio speaker venting and also showing possible On Off control FIG 14 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of Remote included within a cordless receiver showing pos sible AC prong preferably collapsible in contact with an AC outlet and also showing possible audio speaker venting and also showing On Off control FIG 15 shows a possible embodiment of a Remote that includes Caller ID REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 100 Remote override switch of transmitting or transmitting receiving remote circuitry located on an answering machine unit 105 power indicator LED light on an answering machine unit to indicate remote capabilities are either on or off Can also be made to alert the owner of an answering machine that someone is accessing the owner s previously recorded messages accessing them either by phone or by a Remote 110 manipulable channel frequency selector switch in an answering machine unit to enable user to be able to choose from certain multiple channels or frequencies 115 antenna of answering machine unit may be inner or outer 135 Remote locator button call switch 200 On Off power control switch for Remote 205 power indicator and or distance indicator LED light for Remote 206 privacy LED indicator 207 recharge indicator for Remote 208 channel select scan button
10. recharging component a recharging unit internal charger external charger AC current phone lines etc alone alternately or in combination Remotes may be recharged in a charging base channel and or frequency selection either manipulable or automatic on either Remote and or answering machine need not be included channel selections on either Remote and or answering machine may be added a Remote may be corded a connector prong can be attached to a corded extension a corded extension may be retractable a connector prong can be stationary fixed or moveable such as retractable or collapsible a collapsible connector prong need not be embodied a connector prong need not be embodied a phone line may be corded there may be connectors or inlets on a Remote to connect phones lines to a Remote an embodiment of a clip member may include a clip member s upper portion to be slightly bulging outward an outward bulge in a clip member together with a possible outward bulge or pad stop on a Remote can possi 6 104 923 25 bly serve to keep a Remote unit substantially parallel to an engaging surface such as a table top or a wall outlet An outward bulge or pad stop may also be used as protection for or from engaging surfaces and or for better protection from an outlet source A pad stop may also possibly provide a stopping means for a folding or moveable connector prong a space between the upper portion of a clip membe
11. referred to herein as Remotes Call receiving and storage devices will mostly be referred to as answering machines but are not restricted to such Objects and advantages of the present invention are a To provide an externally audible Remote screening device to be used for or with a call receiving and storage device including call answering machine service device or message storage b To provide an externally audible Remote screening device with remote operational capabilities to be used for or with a call receiving and storage device including call answering machine service device or message storage c To provide an answering machine Remote device s that is not limited to the use of a phone No phone is needed d To provide answering machine Remote device s that are not limited to use of a cordless telephone or any other type of phone No specific type of phone is needed e To provide Remote device s that are not limited to touch tone use or signal tone use 1 To provide Remote device s that can be heard listened to and understood is audible from a distance away from the actual Remote screening device such as heard from across a room or heard from another room or area because a Remote is outwardly audible without necessitating that a user has to physically be at the place where a Remote unit is presently located Without necessitating that the user as in the case of the Scordato patent have to get up and g
12. said first channel or frequency and or on said second chan nel or frequency wherein at least one of said first telephone answering means or said second telephone answering means includes a remote override switch for switching said apparatus to a remote override mode in which the 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 65 30 transmitter is prevented from transmitting to said remote call screening device 38 The apparatus of claim 37 further comprising a second remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals and a loudspeaker for audi bly emitting incoming telephone messages simulta neously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded said second remote call screen ing device including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said second remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency 39 The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said first telephone answering means includes a first channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency and said second telephone answering means includes a second channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telep
13. self contained Remote unit or the features functions and or capabilities of a Remote are housed within any other type of apparatus unit or device The features functions and capabilities of a Remote may be embodied in any housing and in any number or combination Answering machine is used in this text to mean any answering machine answering device or message storage center designed to take and or hold callers messages An answering machine may be singularly by itself may be combined with or into other functions or devices and or may be implemented into other devices An answering device may be any machine device service center or process that takes and or holds callers messages An answering machine may accommodate any variety of mode changes signals functions and features An answer ing machine may include being singularly by itself may include a portable handet receiver may be incorporated into any other type of unit etc An embodiment of an answering machine may be of any form It may be basic such as the example illustrated in FIG 6A or may be of a more complicated nature and involve any additional features The features functions and capabilities of an answering machine can be implemented and or included into any embodiment whether it be a self con tained unit or the features functions and capabilities of an answering machine in any number or combination are are housed within any other type
14. that needs to be returned right away or even an urgent or emergency call etc With a Remote this screening process can be done hands free as stated above and can also be done without the user having to stay transfixed to where his answering machine is in order to selectively screen calls when he does not want to bother picking up every phone call The user can screen his calls from a remote area a distance away from a Remote unit or device and away from his answering machine unit at his leisure and be aware by screening of any important call that might happen to come through Should the user then opt to pick up the telephone at any time he may Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that is able to stay in an active On mode without necessitating a user to have to actively get up search and locate a telephone receiver in order to activate or depress a signal button or control switch as one would have to do with the Scordato patent By eliminating this burdening step it makes life a little more convenient saving time and labor Can provide an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote sreening unit or device that does not require a manufacturer predetermined matching code between an answering machine and Remote s as having a p
15. the audible screening functions and or other remote control functions of a Remote can also be incorpo rated into any embodiment of a Caller ID unit or any embodiment that includes Caller ID And any Remote func tion or capability can be used in conjunction with any Caller ID function Any Remote embodiment may include an On Off switch to control the externally audible screening loudspeaker examples include 200 FIGS 1D 4B 13 and 221 FIG 1C The switch can be left in an ON mode at the user s option leaving the screening capabilities ON which would enable the user to be able to hear and screen the incoming message or caller from a nearby area such as across a room without necessitating that a user have to get up and or physically be at the phone receiver in order to have to depress or activate any type of code button or switch Having an On switch that is able to stay ON and enables the screening ability to stay ON eliminates any need for such as that just mentioned In an embodiment where the Remote is portable a Remote unit may include any number of possible attachment methods or sources Possible placement of a Remote unit could be anywhere attached or otherwise including being placed next to or on the side of any computer or telephone etc for convenience These and other examples of Remote embodiments make for functioning remote units devices or capabilities which can include screening abilit
16. to whom the phone number belongs to that is being displayed on the LCD If a user is expecting or receiving a call from a first time caller the user of Caller ID probably won t have any idea whose phone number is being displayed on the LCD screen of his Caller ID unit And even if a name is displayed with the telephone number the user still has no way of knowing who is really on the line nor no way of finding out the content of the call what it s regarding etc through a Caller ID If the user is expecting a call from a favored someone favored caller who happens to be calling from a different phone or location than what is stored for them in the Caller ID unit or memorized in the user s head for that particular person the user is at a loss as to whom is calling The user may not wish to converse with other wise favored callers at certain particular times though these callers may have their phone numbers stored as preferred caller numbers in the Caller ID unit The user may not wish to converse with a caller depend ing on what kind of message the caller has for him or what the caller has to say and a Caller ID LCD phone number display is not going to help in these instances whether or not the caller is calling from a preferred number The user may wish to speak to only a certain particular caller from a selected stored phone number and not to the other people that may live there at that same number but the user of the Call
17. unit or device is more capable of constantly being available to the user in remote locations without having to return it to a homebase recharging unit And with the use of multiple Remote units or devices several variable remote locations are available simulta neously for placement n To provide a Remote device with the means to remotely operate and access the functions of an answering machine 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 6 0 To provide an answering machine with a separate On Off control switch for the overriding control of the Remote device s This Remote override control switch located on the answering machine separate from the answering machine s own main On Off switch allows the user to turn Off the Remote s abilities from the location of the answering machine unit itself without having to turn off the whole answering machine This thereby prevents some one else from unauthorized remote usage of the Remote unit s This overriding control switch provides the user with control of his privacy no one will be able to remotely screen the user s calls nor operate the user s answering machine from the Remotes and yet the user is still left with the operable use of his answering machine s own usual func tional capabilities as the answering machine is still in its own On mode p To provide a simple to use Remote device or unit preferably small in size and light in wei
18. 1 259 and Caller ID suffer from a number of disadvantages a The use of Scordato s system requires a phone b The use of Scordato s system requires a cordless phone c The use of Scordato s system requires a cordless telephone that must be integrated with its own matching answering machine recharger base unit In the use of Caller ID units that are included within cordless telephone receivers the cordless telephone receiver also must be integrated with its own matching recharger base unit d The Scordato system requires that a switch actuator on the cordless receiver unit be turned on in order to activate the screener mode in the matching base answering 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 2 machine unit This switch actuator must be turned on per incoming call in order to be able to screen incoming calls Scordato s invention must be in one of either an active mode screen mode or in a passive mode non screen mode In order to hear screen an incoming call the screen mode must be activated at the time that a caller is presently calling and re activated at the time of each additional call requiring that the user has to locate and physically be at the cordless telephone receiver of the matching answering machine base unit in order to physically manipulate the actuator command signal turn it on in order to activate the screen mode in the
19. 104 923 3 is on and being used from the cordless telephone handset receiver thus the user owner is not able know when some body else may be operating the screen mode from the cordless telephone receiver and listening to the user s owner s personal calls This lacking also does not afford the user owner the option to control his privacy k The Scordato invention is not capable of recharging and being in a screen mode concurrently therefore putting limitation on screening availability The cordless telephone version of Caller ID is also not capable of recharging and being in a screen mode concurrently limiting available screening time 1 The cordless telephone receiver cannot plug directly into an AC outlet for a constant source of power again limiting its available screening time to when the cordless telephone receiver is not being recharged in its base The same is true again of the cordless telephone version of Caller ID m The cordless telephone receiver is not equipped with a source for an optional adapter plug with cord in order to maintain an active screen mode and a concurrent constant source of power The same is true of the cordless telephone version of Caller ID n There are many other reasons that Caller ID is not very practical such as Most people only have a few telephone numbers memo rized in their heads therefore as a calling party is calling the user of Caller ID must rack his brain as
20. I J FIG 6B 110 100 135 U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 7 of 9 6 104 923 B fl FIG 8 FIG 9 U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 8 of 9 FIG 10 ell Ed 6 104 923 FIG 11 U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 9 of 9 6 104 923 FIG 13 6 104 923 1 REMOTE OPERATIONAL SCREENER BACKGROUND 1 Field of Invention This invention relates to answering machines 2 Description of Prior Art Originally answering machines could only provide the user with two ways of screening or monitoring his incoming telephone calls One way is to play back a previously recorded message that was left on an answering machine The other way is to listen to the loudspeaker of an answering machine at the same time that the caller is leaving the message In other words screen the caller If at this point the user options to converse with the caller the user can then pick up a telephone plugged into or near the answering machine But if the user is in a remote location away from the answering machine unit such as in another room or across the house the user may hear the ringing signal of the telephone but will not be able to screen the incoming telephone call to decide whether or not he wishes to pick up the telephone and speak with that calling party without his having to run to the other room or across the house to where the answering machine itself is located in order to hear or screen the caller who is le
21. US006104923A United States Patent 15 11 Patent Number 6 104 923 Kite 45 Date of Patent Aug 15 2000 54 REMOTE OPERATIONAL SCREENER SoloCall SmartMonitor PC Novice Guide to Gizmos 1997 pp 125 126 75 Inventor Karen Jeanne Kite Newark Calif Primary Examiner Dwayne D Bost 73 Assignee Karen Kite Assistant Examiner Jean A Gelin Attorney Agent or Firm Karen Kite 21 Appl No 08 943 833 57 ABSTRACT 22 Filed Oct 3 1997 op i i This invention provides for an audible remote screening STI Tnt Oie anse H04Q 7 20 function or device FIGS 3A and 13 for use with an 52 USC ussnssesndede 455 412 455 412 answering device or machine FIG 6B and may also 58 Field of Search oes 455 412 426 combine this screening function with an ability for remote 455 462 403 550 575 463 465 434 operational control FIGS 4A 4B and 7B of an answering 379 67 1 88 89 88 11 88 24 79 377 vies or machine a12 A remote call screening device provides for the remote 56 References Cited screening capabilities to be outwardly audible a distance from itself U S PATENT DOCUMENTS Preferred forms of the invention provide for remote call 4 136 344 1 1979 Nakao et al screening of an answering device or machine or remote call 4 230 909 10 1980 Baum screening of an answering device or machine together with P Ke or i remote operational control of an answering device or 4881259 11 1989 Scordato P machine with the c
22. a connector prong or plug 230 shown here in contact with an AC outlet FIG 3C shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with a collapsible moveable fold out or pivotal prong 233 FIG 3D shows a rear perspective view of a possible embodiment of a Remote that includes a possible recessed area 240 for a possible collapsible prong A recessed area may allow for a greater ability for a collapsible retractable moveable fold out or pivotal prong in its collapsed or retracted state to lay flush or almost flush with the housing of a Remote A possible example of how this may work is shown in FIGS 3C and 3E though this feature may be embodied in many different ways A collapsible or moveable prong allows for greater ease of portability of a Remote FIG 5A shows an embodiment of a Remote that is powered and or given access to a phone line and or answer ing machine by connection to a phone line outlet or phone jack by a phone line or phone jack connector prong 285 The necessary components to enable a unit to be powered by and or interact with a phone line is known in the art FIG 5B shows a possible embodiment of a Remote and also possible inclusion of a corded AC prong 234 Having a connector prong plug or phone connector prong allows for accessibility to a constant source of power This power source can provide for actual operational usage of a Remote and depending on embodiment can also provide for recharging a possible rechargeable
23. a means for connection 6 104 923 29 to a telephone line to receive power and or communications from said telephone line 34 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises an audible ringer for announcing incoming telephone calls 35 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said telephone answering means has a base family code that allows com munication with equipment having a matching family code and wherein said remote call screening device has a remote family code to match the base family code of said telephone answering means thereby permitting communication between said remote call screening device and said tele phone answering means 36 Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incom ing telephone messages are received said telephone answering means having a base family code that allows communication with equipment having a matching family code and a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving the audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded said remote call screening device being programmable to have a remote family code to match th
24. abilities of a Remote The user may turn the Remote ON or OFF at his convenience The user has the option to leave the Remote in an ON or active mode thereby enabling himself with a constant receiving screening ability and or the constant remote operational ability of an answering machine For example the user need not have to activate any actuator On mechanism per incoming call in order to hear screen that incoming call since if the Remote is left ON the Remote will automatically emit the voice of the caller The user has the option of leaving a Remote in an active ON mode thereby eliminating any need to actively locate and physically be at a screening device in order to have to turn the screening capacity ON every time there is an incoming call as is the case with the Scordato patent Embodiments of a Remote may include any number of indicator lights LEDs light emitting diodes An LED 205 FIG 3A can be used as an indicator for power indicating Remote is ON active and or as an indicator for distance letting the user know when the Remote is out of range This LED or any other one example 206 FIG 3A may also serve as a privacy indicator letting the user know that someone else is accessing his previously recorded messages that other person either accessing these messages at the answering machine itself remotely by phone by another Remote etc An LED example 207 FIG 3A can be used to indicate recha
25. abilities for an indefinite source of power and uninterrupted operation ability a remote override switch 100 FIG 6B located on an answering device or machine for privacy control over unauthorized access to the answering device or machine from the remote device and small size for portability The functions and capabilities of the remote device can be implemented combined and used in conjunction with into any other unit or housing FIGS 9 10 11 12 13 and 15 46 Claims 9 Drawing Sheets 105 a re Receiver 6 104 923 Page 2 U S PATENT DOCUMENTS 5 239 687 8 1993 Chen et al 5 202 917 4 1993 Wakai viet 379 159 32800337 MR ronan 5 210 532 5 1993 Knoedler et al 5 572 576 11 1996 Klausner et al a 455 415 5 220 594 6 1993 Ohnishi et al oo 455 412 5 625 888 4 1997 Ruther et al occ 455 56 1 U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 1 of 9 6 104 923 221 FIG 1C FIG 1B FIG 1A U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 2 of 9 6 104 923 FIG 2 6 104 923 Sheet 3 of 9 Aug 15 2000 U S Patent FIG 3B FIG 3A 265 220 206 225 N J FIG 3D 6 104 923 Sheet 4 of 9 Aug 15 2000 U S Patent 1 263 MIM Met 250 FIG 3E FIG 3F U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 5 of 9 6 104 923 FIG 4A FIG 4B FIG 5B U S Patent Aug 15 2000 Sheet 6 of 9 6 104 923 FIG 6A r l L z Transmitter
26. answering machine base in order to be able to use this screening function e The user of the Scordato invention has to physically be at the remote cordless telephone receiver of the matching answering machine base unit hands on putting receiver to ear in order to hear the calls being screened as messages are being left With Caller ID the user has to be close enough to pick up and or be in eyesight reading range of any Caller ID unit in order to be able to read the telephone number information on the LCD screen With the Scordato invention telephone calls cannot be screened or listened to by more than one person simultaneously such as family members who are waiting for their own prospective callers because the cordless telephone handset receiver of the Scordato invention can only be put to one user s ear at at time in order to hear the call being screened and only the person who s ear is on the receiver can hear the call being screened g Scordato s invention has a manufacturer installed fixed family code shared between the answering machine recharging base unit and its cordless telephone handset receiver unit thereby limiting its screening use to just one remote screening device that of the matching cordless telephone handset receiver In the cordless telephone version of Caller ID there is also only one cordless telephone receiver per matching recharg ing base unit thereby limiting screening use to just one
27. apability to remotely operate and or 4956892 9 1990 Fawkes remotely screen calls incoming or pre recorded of that of 5 003 576 3 1991 Helferich mm mememesssesse 455 550 n answering device or machine from a remote area or room 5 020 094 5 1991 Rash et al 379 62 Via the remote function or device In preferred forms the 5 029 196 7 1991 Morganstein messe 379 88 23 audible remote screening from the device can be heard 5 029 198 7 1991 Walpole et al sssssssssssnseeee 379 88 23 across a room or from another room as it is outwardly 5 040 204 8 1991 Sasaki et al audible the remote device can be made to stay in an active List continued on next page OTHER PUBLICATIONS P 18 1993 Radio Shack Catalog highlighted areas P 145 1994 Radio Shack Catalog Cordless Monitor for Baby s Room P 50A30 Nov 1993 Electronics Now Catalog System User Manual for the Gigaset 2420 Siemens 1998 pp 8 11 and 70 77 SoloPoint S100 Voice Mail Enhancer SoloPoint Inc Nov 1997 SoloPoint S100 S 150 Manage Voice Mail and Your Time More Effectively SoloPoint Inc Jul 6 1998 SoloPoint S Series Tech Support SoloPoint Inc Apr 28 1999 100 ON mode eliminating any need for the user to search locate or activate the remote device or any command signal per call being screened the remote operational control and or screening device can be directly plugged in 230 FIG 3B allowing for simultaneous power and recharge
28. aving a message through the loudspeaker of the answering machine Also answering machines are only accessible in limited ways One way is by direct manipulation of the actual answering machine unit The second way is by an outside telephone line with touch tone capabilities or beeper remote The third way is by a cordless touch tone tele phone with corresponding circuitry integrated within a matching answering machine unit And this last example is limited in its accessibility to an answering machine US Pat No 4 881 259 to Scordato 1989 provides an audio screening mode in a cordless touch tone telephone integrated within an answering machine unit A Caller ID provides a visual screening method whereby the telephone number from where a caller is calling from and sometimes a name associated with that particular telephone number is displayed on an LCD screen some times with an option to store a limited amount of telephone numbers Caller ID requires that a special Caller Identifica tion Service be used in conjunction with a Caller ID unit A Caller Identification Service must be purchased from a telephone company in addition to your regular telephone service in order to be able to use a Caller ID The Caller ID units are singular units within themselves or are integrated within a cordless telephone receiver of an integrated cord less telephone and its matching base unit Nevertheless Scordato U S Pat No 4 88
29. c Remote that includes volume control the unit being On as long as there is a power source available FIG 1C shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with single or combined On Off volume controller FIG 1D shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with On Off control without a volume control the unit audible as long as unit is turned On FIG 1E shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with separate On Off and volume controls FIG 2 shows a front perspective view of a possible Remote with additional possible features and FIG 2 also shows an example of a possible telephone answering machine that embodies some possible additional features that may be used together with Remotes FIG 3A shows another front perspective view of a possible Remote FIG 3B shows a side view of a possible Remote shown in contact with an AC outlet FIG 3C is a side view of a possible Remote showing possible different pivotal positions of a possible collapsible or moveable AC prong FIG 3D is a rear perspective view of a possible Remote showing a possible surrounding audio speaker vent or grill and also showing a possible sunken recess portion for a possible collapsible AC prong when in collapsed state FIG 3E is a rear perspective view of a possible Remote showing a possible belt clip and also showing a possible AC prong in a collapsed state FIG 3F shows a possible Remote embodiment that includes a channel select scan b
30. chan nels Parents in a household set their answering machine and or Remote s to the channel frequency A see 210 FIG 3A while their teenager who has his own answering 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 55 60 65 12 machine and or Remote s sets his unit s to the channel frequency B etc thereby eliminating potential interfer ence Another possible advantage Remotes may be manufac tured to be able to be used interchangeably for example to work in conjunction with either the parents or teenager s answering machine unit by matching up channel frequencies on the units and or likewise an answering machine unit may be manufactured to work interchangeably with either the parents or teenager s Remote unit s by matching up channel frequencies Another example for use of a manipulable channel frequency selector switch with which to be able to manipulably choose certain cahnnels The teenager if given an instruction by his her parents may be able to listen for screen the parents answering machine from the convenience of the teenager s own room for that specific important call that the parents are waiting for that must be answered personally This may be done by switch ing the frequency or channels of the teenager s own Remote unit from channel B to match that of his parents answer ing machine unit or Remote channel A This interchange ability would not affec
31. ded messages from an answering machine through the Remote outwardly audibly The Remote unit or device with remote control abilities would also have the ability to remotely screen incoming calls outwardly audibly immediately relay ing incoming calls while a caller is still on the line A Remote is available for the user to use in any and more than one remote area at a time which allows the user the access to the functions of his answering machine away from the answering machine itself such as from another room or area by way of Remote and also allows the outwardly audible screening of incoming calls to the user away from his answering machine Depending on embodiment the user may have the capability to transport and or vary placement of Remotes and or the option to have multiple placed Remotes in many locales Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that for example in a household or office where more than one person resides or works a visual LCD screen on a Caller ID unit cannot provide for the fact that the different family members housemates or co workers cannot possibly know all of the other family members or co workers possible assortment of selected Caller ID telephone numbers or who it is exactly that is calling from those numbers Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit
32. diment more than one Remote per an answering machine may be purchased by consumers this is also another potential selling point to and for manu factures My invention could be made sold and utilized for many years throughout a changing technology without becoming outmoded or obsolete And as stated earlier my invention either part Remote or answering machine its functions and capabilities can be implemented and or included into with or within any housing or device The idea and purpose to audibly remotely screen calls from an answering device or service and or have remote operational access to an answering device without the use of any type of phone can be made to fit any change in technology Hence my inven tion has a long life cycle potential which would justify capital expenditures for tooling and advertising My invention and its capabilities can be implemented or incorporated into any type of device or unit as stated above including and besides that of self contained Remote units and or self contained answering machine units This versatility would not only greatly expand the a variety of ways and wheres to use my invention but it would also accommodate change in technologies A surprising 37 percent of all Americans screen their phone calls through their answering machines refusing to pick up the receiver until they hear who s calling This statistic in itself is enough of a selling point to manufac turers and ob
33. e base family code of said telephone answering means thereby permitting communication between said remote call screening device and said telephone answering means wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote override switch for switching said apparatus to a remote override mode in which said transmitter is prevented from transmitting to said remote call screen ing device 37 Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising a first telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a first channel or frequency simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received a second telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a second chan nel or frequency simultaneously as the incoming tele phone messages are received and a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded said remote call screening device including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages transmitted as audio signals on
34. e thereby provides the user with ultimate control with concerns to his privacy in regards to any unauthorized screening or manipulation of his answer ing machine by or through a Remote Manipulating a Remote override switch that may be embodied on an answering machine does not interfere with the operable use of an answering machine s capabilities and functions FIG 6B shows a possible embodiment of an answering machine that may include any number of indicator light LEDs light emitting diodes possibly including an LED 105 for such use as to indicate to the user that the capabilities to interact with a Remote are either On example lit or Off example not lit An LED could also depending on embodiment be used as an indicator by being lit or by flashing that someone is accessing an answering machine by way of Remote The interaction capabilities between an answering machine and Remote s are preferably such that a sizable range of distance is attainable A sizeable range of distance leads to convenience and 1 e helps to accommodate large homes places of business and or possible outdoor place ment of Remote s The circuitry used in the present invention to allow for such interaction between units is generally well known in the art An embodiment of an answering machine may include an internal or external antenna 115 FIGS 2 and 6B to enhance distance and or sound and or frequency A preferred embodiment of an answerin
35. e which allows the user to audibly screen his calls away from his answering machine such as from another room or area Such that the user can remotely listen to and screen incoming calls in any and more than one remote area while caller is still on the line Depending on embodiment the user may have the capability to transport and or vary placement of Remotes and or the option to have multiple placed Remotes in many locales Provides an answering machine remote operational device and outwardly audible remote screening device of that which is not limited to the use of a telephone any certain or specific type of telephone or any limited number of telephones Providing mechanisms to allow outwardly audible remote screening and the remote operation of an answering machine via a Remote unit or device accessing 10 15 20 25 30 35 45 50 55 60 65 20 and allowing such possible functions as including i e on off stop play listen replay forward record etc Pro viding remote access to an answering machine that pos sesses appropriate circuitry or components that allows for such remote functions to be carried out The circuitry used for such operations is already known in the art Various operational functions of an answering machine could be remotely carried out and made available to the user through a Remote unit or device For example the play or listen function on a Remote would access and play back recor
36. ed telephone messages through said loud speaker of said remote call screening device 9 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a microphone and a transmitter for communicating messages to a receiver in said telephone answering means 10 The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a remote recording switch for controlling said telephone answering means to record messages communicated from said remote call screening device 11 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a rechargeable power source 12 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said answering means or said remote call screening device further com prises a caller identification means for identifying the source of an incoming telephone call 13 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device is portable 14 The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a distance indicator for indicating when said remote call screening device has moved out of transmission range of said telephone answering means 15 The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said telephone answering means further comprises a remote locator switch for causing said remote call screening device to emit an audible or visible signal to aid in locating said remote call screening device 16 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said answering means or said remote call screening de
37. embodiment of a basic Remote that includes a volume control 220 the Remote being On as long as there is a power source available FIGS 1C 1D and 1E show some of other possible embodiments of basic Remotes with variable On Off and or volume controls FIG 1C shows a possible embodi ment of a Remote with a combined On Off and volume controller 221 FIG 1D shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with On Off control 200 without a volume control the Remote being audible as long as Remote is turned On FIG 1E shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with separate On Off 200 and volume 220 con trols The following of some of many possible Remote features and functions are shown collectively in some drawings but are not restricted to such or any specific number nor com bination They may be embodied alone in many of any combinations together in different combinations and or collectively together on a Remote unit 6 104 923 11 FIG 2 shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with possible variable additional features and FIG 2 also shows a possible embodiment of an answering machine unit with possible variable additional features FIG 3A shows another drawing of an embodiment of a Remote with some of many possible variable features In a preferred embodiment the user may manipulate an ON OFF control switch dial knob button etc 200 FIG 3A that regulates the control of the functional cap
38. emote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals transmitted on said first channel or frequency and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded and a second remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving audio signals transmitted on said second channel or frequency and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote override switch for switching said apparatus to a remote override mode in which said transmitter is prevented from transmitting on at least one of said first channel or frequency or said second channel or fre quency 6 104 923 31 43 The apparatus of claim 42 further comprising a second telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received said telephone answering means including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to transmit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency 44 The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said first remote call screening de
39. enting of the receiver as does the normal audio portion of the phone a Remote may be manufactured with a corded phone line built in or detachable where a phone line can be inserted or have a phone connector prong extending from Remote It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any precise form of apparatus or example as noted above and that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or the novel concepts of the invention and are to be construed as being within the ambit of the appended claims I claim 1 Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls com prising a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incom ing telephone messages are received and a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving the audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote override switch for switching said apparatus to a remote override mode in which said transmitter is prevented from transmitting to said remote call screen ing device 2 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device is operable in at leas
40. er ID unit is not able to discern who from that telephone number really is calling So in regards to that just mentioned and also for that of non stored telephone numbers or non familiar telephone numbers in order to really screen his calls the user would then still need to be at his answering machine unit in order to hear the calls being screened despite having Caller ID 0 Caller ID requires that a special Caller Identification Service be used in conjunction with a Caller ID unit The 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 4 service must be purchased from a telephone company in addition to your regular telephone service in order to be able to use a Caller ID system This service is only available where the service is provided p In order to protect their own safety and privacy most consumers have chosen to block Caller ID so that their own personal telephone numbers will not be forwarded to some one else s Caller ID unit in order to keep their telephone number private and their location private for safety and other privacy reasons OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES Accordingly there are several objects and advantages of the present invention and with additional features there are even still further objects and advantages The remote screen ing device and or its functions and capabilities and the remote operational screening device and or its functions and capabilities of the present invention are
41. erride switch for switching said apparatus to a remote override mode in which said transmitter is prevented from transmitting to said remote call screening device 27 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a remote privacy indi cator for indicating when the recorded telephone messages on said telephone answering means are being accessed 28 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said telephone answering means further comprises a call screening privacy indicator for indicating when said remote call screening device is in operation 29 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote pickup function wherein lifting a receiver of any telephone extension of the same telephone line as said telephone answering means will stop said remote call screening device from audibly emitting the incoming telephone message 30 The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a caller identification means for identifying the source of an incom ing telephone call 31 The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a channel or frequency scanner for automatically or selec tively changing the channel or frequency said apparatus operates on 32 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a power plug to receive power from an electrical power source 33 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises
42. extension of that same phone line is spread throughout the house with different telephones in different rooms This poses a problem when someone in one room wants to access the answering machine or screen an incoming or recorded call and that answering machine is located in another room across the house How does the user accomplish this without having to get up to go into the room where the answering machine unit is located The solution is as follows Example When an answering device or answering machine preferably of the remote pick up type receives a caller s message it simultaneously picks up and transmits the caller s voice to the user who away from the answering machine unit in some remote location hears the caller s voice through a Remote unit or device The user hears the caller s voice and can screen the call as the message is being left through the Remote unit or device though he is not at the location of the answering machine The user is able to do this through the interacting of the Remote s with an answer ing machine which allow the user from a remote location away from the answering machine unit to conveniently screen calls or select which calls he options to pick up and speak with all at the same time that the calling party is currently leaving a message The user can have the ability of screening incoming calls and or recorded calls depending on embodiment hear who s calling and the content of the
43. g machine would be for its audible transmitting capabilities to Remotes to be independent of an answering machine unit s own regular volume control With highly sensitive microphone transmitting signals of which the circuitry components used for processing such are generally well known in the art of transmittance an answering machine may pick up and transmit a caller s voice to a Remote even though the answering machine unit s own volume level may be turned down low or to its lowest setting with no ill effect on the audible transmission of sound to Remote s which depend ing on embodiment may also have their own independent volume control This allows the user the option to keep the volume of the answering machine low or off in the room or area where it is located allowing a user to have quietness in this room or area yet still be able to keep audible transmitting abilities to the Remote s For example if one person wants to take a nap in his bedroom and the answering machine happens to be located in that bedroom he can turn down the volume of his answering machine so that he will not be awakened by any calls coming through the answering machine still keeping the audible transmitting abilities so that others in the same household can still be able to screen their calls by way of Remote s that are placed or being kept in other rooms of the house An embodiment of an answering machine unit may include a Remote locator b
44. ght with a greater ease of portability that can be kept and or transferred to and from inconspicuous placements providing for greater acces sibility q To provide the user with an answering machine remote operational device that provides life with a little more convenience saving time and labor as the user will have the ability to operate and access his answering machine and or screen his calls incoming or recorded remotely from another room from a distance or from outside away from an answering machine unit with a Remote unit device or capability A Remote can be remotely placed and simulta neously be kept in an active On mode This eliminates any need for the user to have to get up and or turn On any activation mechanism per incoming call being screened r To provide and realize an almost untapped market and an existing need What is on the market is either relatively unknown uneconomical and or unpractical Since portable phones with their matching answering machines can be a relatively expensive purchase what my invention provides is more economical for the consumer than the Scordato patent as in a preferred embodiment there is no need for the purchase or use of a cordless phone and more than one Remote can be used with and or included with an answer ing machine In order to use a Caller ID system a person must pay not only for the special equipment but they must also pay a phone company for the added Caller ID ser
45. hone messages as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency 40 The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational con trols for remotely operating said first telephone answering means and said second telephone answering means includ ing a remote recording switch for controlling said first telephone answering means and said second telephone answering means to record messages communicated from said remote call screening device 41 The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said remote call screening device is operable in at least two modes including an OFF mode in which said loudspeaker does not audibly emit the incoming telephone messages and an active screen ing ON mode in which said loudspeaker audibly emits the incoming telephone messages without further intervention of the user 42 Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incom ing telephone messages are received said telephone answering means including a channel or frequency selector switch for operating said transmitter to trans mit incoming telephone messages as audio signals on a first channel or frequency and or on a second channel or frequency a first r
46. iently allows the consumer numerous possible variable and simultaneous placements of more than one Remote at a time And depending on how many Remotes that may be packaged together with an answering machine unit this also provides the consumer with choice of economy Embodiments of an answering machine and Remotes that do not include a factory predetermined matching code between the answering machine and the Remote s allows for the consumer at his own discretion the possible later date purchasing of numerous additional Remotes that again can be used in numerous convenient variable place ments and locations simultaneously Remotes can be manufactured to be programmable for use with answering machines so for example in the case where a code is needed or there is a predetermined matching code between answering machine and Remotes units already purchased additional Remotes can be purchased later and programmed to match the code of the answering machine unit 6 104 923 13 Remote can be manufactured in different ways to work or interact with answering machines including being manipulable and or being pre manufactured and or being programmable to work with answering machines The circuitry that allows such abilities is already known in the art A possible embodiment of a Remote may include the ability to remotely operate and access an answering machine ARemote embodiment having function contr
47. ies and or screening abilities with remote operational or remote control abilities with which an answering machine has the ability to support and interact on such and each function The necessary components or circuitry for processing and carrying out the signals and commands between a main unit and its remote control counterpart unit s are known in the art of such 6 104 923 17 The necessary circuitry or components for processing and carrying out the signals and commands for remote operation capabilities between units is generally well known in the art The necessary components or circuitry for receiving repre sented in FIGS 3A and 6B by a labeled rectangular box is well known in the art The necessary components or cir cuitry for transmitting represented in FIGS 4A and 6A by a labeled rectangular box is well known in the art The necessary components or circuitry for enabling two way transmitting and receiving abilities between units are known in the art The necessary components or circuitry to carry out wireless interaction between units are known in the art The circuitry or components used in the present invention to allow for interaction between units is generally well known in the art The necessary circuitry or components for pro cessing and amplifying signals is generally well known in the art The features functions and capabilities of a Remote can be implemented and or included into any embodiment whether it be a
48. ith various other devices or units the functions and capabilities of a Remote may be made to work or interact with voice mail voice mail centers message centers or call centers such as that available through phone services locations of any features including such as any LED s function controls outlets prongs clips etc are variable an On Off control switch need not be included on either or both an answering machine and or a Remote there need not be a Remote overriding control switch on an answering machine there need not be a volume control on a Remote On Off and volume controls may be made combined into one control on a Remote a separate volume control on an answering machine may be added to control a Remote s audible level indicator LED lights can be added or eliminated located anywhere colored differently or the same blink and or have steady light a single LED light can serve for single or multiple purposes shape including size of either Remotes and or answering machines can be altered antennas in on either Remotes and or answering machines need not be included rechargeability component in Remote need not be included a transmitter and or receiver in an answering machine for such use as with a Remote may be controlled by separate sources and or run off separate power sources Remotes may be run off of various types of power sources including such as rechargeable batteries standard batteries a
49. le to work with an answering machine and or that Remotes may be made to be manipulated into fitting into a fixed family code of an already purchased answering machine that has a fixed family code and or possibly 3 By providing that answering machines can be manu factured as Remote compatible this allows the possible purchase and addition of multiple Remote devices or units at later dates and or possibly 4 By providing that several Remote devices at a time can be packaged along with its paired answering machine unit This may or may not involve a fixed family code 1 To provide a Remote capability or device that can give the choice of different channels or frequencies for 1 best reception abilities and or 2 so that other persons in 1 e the same household or neighboring area may own and operate their own individual Remote units and answering machine units without inter ference from or with another neighboring person s units k To provide a Remote device that can plug directly into an AC outlet for a constant source of screening and or operating power 1 To provide a Remote device that has the capacity to recharge and still be able to concurrently operate and or receive and transmit a screened call so that screening and or operating usage can be indefinite m To provide a Remote device s that doesn t need recharging in a home base unit thereby adding to its convenience as a Remote
50. luding such as a belt pocket or edge for easy transpor tation or placement location FIG 3D shows a possible embodiment of a Remote with a possible inclusion of an aperture or notch 255 whereby a Remote may be hung from a fastener extending from a surface such as a wall Another possible embodiment would be for any and or all the function s and capabilities of a Remote to be housed within a telephone of any kind receiver s base unit cradle or recharger unit FIGS 7A and 7B and equipping these units with external loudspeaker enabling these units with the capability to externally audibly screen incoming and or recorded calls and or remotely operate an answering machine Another possible embodiment would be for any and or all the functions and capabilities of a Remote to be housed within a telephone s receiver housing any kind of telephone receiver including cordless for example equipping the handset or receiver with an external audible receiving loud speaker separate from that of the normal audio receiver of the telephone for audibly external screening use so that the user may for example set his telephone handset down 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 55 60 65 16 anywhere including its cradle base and screen his calls through the telephone handset or receiver from across a room or depending on embodiment if the telephone receiver is cordless carry the telephone handset with him
51. messages are received and recorded wherein said remote call screening device includes an ON OFF switch capable of operating said remote call screening device in at least three modes including an OFF mode in which said loudspeaker does not audibly emit the incoming telephone messages an ON mode in which upon user activation of said ON OFF switch said loudspeaker audibly emits an incoming telephone message as the incoming telephone message is received and recorded and an active screening ON mode in which said loudspeaker audibly emits each incoming telephone message as the incoming telephone messages are received and recorded without further intervention of the user 23 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational con trols for remotely operating said telephone answering means 24 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational con trols for remotely operating said telephone answering means including on off stop play replay forward back listen and pause 25 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote control means for remotely controlling said telephone answering means to replay recorded telephone messages through said loud speaker of said remote call screening device 26 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote ov
52. ne that can override a Remote s capabilities providing the user with ultimate control over any Remote s in regard to his privacy This Remote overriding control switch is separate from that of a power control switch of an answering machine in such that turning Off or On the Remote overriding switch does not interfere with an answering machine s power and functions Can provide an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device with more convenience and ease of portability with such possible embodiments of small size direct plug in screening and or remote capabilities available while simultaneously recharging no need for home base unit for recharging collapsible prong clip member aperture etc Provides for greater economy convenience accessibility versatility and inconspicuous placement ability for reasons such as those stated above Additionally my invention realizes an existing need and an almost untapped market What is on the market is relatively unknown uneconomical or not practical and does not provide for all the advantages that exist in my invention Since portable phones can be a relatively expensive purchase my invention is more economical than the Scor dato patent as there is no necessity or requirement for the purchase of a cordless phone nor any phone for that matter All that is needed is an answering
53. nt AC outlets and or phone jack outlets and or depending on embodiment a rechargeable component or standard battery ies 263 FIG 3E Thereby a Remote is more capable of being consistently usable and capable of constantly being in more convenient accessible locations other than in some bulky stationary home base recharger unit that may be located in some remote part of the user s home Just leaving the Remote plugged into or connected to its power source and ON enables the user to not have to physically be at the Remote during each telephone call in order to have to activate it since by leaving it ON it is already pre activated A Remote can be pre activated left ON no matter how it is powered including such as being plugged into its power source powered by rechargeable component or powered by standard battery ies enabling the user to not have to physically be at the Remote unit per phone call in order to have to activate it A Remote embodiment may include the ability to be powered by standard battery ies alone or alternately between main power source and standard battery ies An embodiment of a Remote may include an adapter outlet 235 FIG 3D for receiving power from an adapter source FIGS 3B and 3D show examples of embodiments of possible Remotes that may include a clip member or belt clip 250 A clip member can allow for the ease of a Remote to be placed or attatched upon different support structures inc
54. o across a room or go to another room in order to pick up the cordless screening telephone receiver because of the need to put the cordless screening telephone receiver up to one s ear in order to hear the caller being screened 2 To provide a Remote device where the user does not have to be within reading distance of a visual screening unit as is the case with Caller ID in the order that he must see a phone number being displayed in order that he may screen a call g 1 To provide for a Remote device s that allows for more than one person at a time to be able to hear the calls being screened The calls can be screened simultaneously by for example the whole family roommates co workers etc allowing for all of them to screen or listen simultaneously while awaiting for their own individual prospective callers as there is no need to put a screening telephone receiver up to any one individual s ear My invention is outwardly audible and can be heard from a distance from itself eliminating the limitation of only one user at a time who can screen This thereby allows for every individual in a household for example to discern who the call is for and discriminate whether or not it is for him or her 6 104 923 5 2 To provide for a Remote device where there is no need for everyone to get up to look at and read a telephone number being displayed on a visual display screen in order to screen their calls h To provide a Rem
55. of apparatus machine unit or device including such as those mentioned earlier for Remotes The following of some of many possible answering machine features are described and or shown collectively in some drawings but are not restricted to such or any specific number combination or housing They may be embodied alone in many of any combinations together in different combinations and or collectively together A possible embodiment of an answering machine may include multiple channels or frequencies that may depend ing on embodiment automatically scan and adjust to best frequency for use with Remotes and or may include a manipulable channel frequency selector switch located on an anwering machine ex 110 FIG 6B for uses such as those described earlier for Remotes FIG 6B shows a possible embodiment of an answering machine that includes such possible variable features such as a manipulable On Off Remote override switch 100 A Remote override switch on an answering machine can pro 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 18 vide as an override to any power or remote control functions and or screening functions to or from a Remote Turning Off a Remote override switch allows the user to shut down turn Off any interaction between an answering machine and Remote s without the user having to turn Off an answering machine s own On Off control switch The added control of a Remote override featur
56. ols example including such as some shown collectively 270 FIG 4A and capabilities to remotely operate an answering machine s possible numerous variable functions including such as on off stop play replay forward back listen pause etc from a Remote with necessary remote function controls located on a Remote Some of these functions allowing a user to remotely screen or listen to previously recorded calls externally audibly through a Remote Remote operational or remote control access to an answering machine that may be for example located in one room upstairs while the user is downstairs in the kitchen allows the user the ability to access the upstairs answering machine listen to previously recorded messages left from callers leave new outgoing messages on the answering machine etc all from the convenience of the downstairs room where he is now at presently And the Remote being externally audible allows all members of e g a family the opportunity to all be able to hear the calls that were left on the answering machine eliminating any need for each family member from having to take turns to each individually pick up a screening receiver in order to have to put the receiver up to their own ears activate the proper switch and only then being able to listen to the calls as would be the case with the Scordato patent This remote accessibility to an answering machine affords the user covenience in his every day life
57. on Remote 210 manipulable channel frequency selector switch for Remote enabling user to be able to chose from certain multiple channels or frequencies 6 104 923 9 215 antennae for Remote may be inner or outer 220 volume control for Remote 221 single combined volume and power control for Remote 223 ringer switch on Remote 225 audio vents or grill on Remote 230 AC plug or connector prong for Remote 233 collapsible retractable moveable or pivotal AC prong for Remote 234 corded AC prong for Remote 235 AC adapter hole for Remote 240 recess for AC prong in Remote 250 belt clip on Remote unit 255 notch or aperture in belt clip 263 standard battery ies 265 rechargeable power source or component in Remote 270 examples of various remote operational or function controls for Remote such as but not limited to Play Stop Forward On Off Replay Pause etc enabling remote access to an answering machine 275 remote operational or remote control Record function button switch on Remote for remote recording onto an answering machine 280 microphone on Remote for remote recording to an answering machine 285 phone line or phone jack connector prong on Remote SUMMARY In a household as also in some businesses there is usually only single telephone answering device or answering machine unit The answering device or answering machine unit is located in one room of the house or business and usually more than one telephone
58. or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that can be outwardly audibly heard from the Remote unit or device across a room or distant area without necessitating the user to search and locate a receiver in order to put it up to his ear to hear and screen the calls as one would have to do with such as that of the Scordato patent Nor does the user of my invention have to get up in order to be able to get close enough to read a phone number displayed on an LCD screen in order to screen his phone calls as one would have to do with a Caller ID unit Nor does the user have to get up to go to the room where his answering machine is in order to be able to hear the calls in order to screen them Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that can be used by for example the whole family roommates etc who can all listen or screen calls simultaneously away from an actual answering machine unit while awaiting for their own individual prospective callers because a Remote is outwardly audible from a distance There is no need to put a telephone receiver to one single user s ear in order to hear and screen a caller as one would have to do with the Scordato patent Nor does one have to be in eyesight of an LCD screen as one would have to be as such with a Caller ID unit By the ability to hea
59. ote device s that is able to stay and remain in an active screening mode On without necessi tating that the user as in the case of the Scordato patent has to actively search locate and or physically be at a screening telephone handset receiver unit in order for the user to have to activate a command that allows for the screening process per incoming call Eliminating this requirement and or providing alternative methods allowing for a Remote device to remain and stay in an active On mode provides for convenience and is also thus potentially faster as the user is not likely to miss screening a call or part of a call due to a possibility of having to spend time searching for a screen ing handset receiver that may be located elsewhere in another room or across the house for example and then once located having to activate its screening process Depending On Embodiment Further Objects and Advan tages are i To provide remote operational and or screening devices units or capabilities that either and or 1 Do not require a fixed family code between an answering machine and Remote device s as this can limit the user to just the matching Remote devices that may be packaged along with a paired answering machine and can further limit the possible later purchase of additional Remote devices for the possible use in more areas or rooms at a time and or possibly 2 By providing that Remotes may be made to be pro grammab
60. power supply or component 265 FIG 3A located within a Remote Rechargeable components are already known in the art of such Having a rechargeable component within a Remote allows the Remote to be powered alternately between the main power source and the rechargeable component This allows the user to remove the Remote from the AC or other power source allowing the Remote to be powered by the rechargeable component without forfeit of remote opera tional and or screening abilities Rechargeability also yields or gives forth to greater portability and use for the Remote as such that a Remote unit can be moved from place to place 6 104 923 15 and it need not be limited to any stationary position for its source of power Arechargeable component may be of any kind including electrical or digital A rechargeable component may also include such rechargeable battery ies The use of a Remote that includes a connector prong for an AC or other power outlet can provide a Remote with depending on embodiment operating power and recharging power alternately OR operating power and recharging power simultaneously so that operating usage can be indefi nite even while recharging By providing a connector prong a Remote doesn t need recharging in any home base unit as a Remote with a connector prong can have available a constant source of convenient available power either by direct power source including such as that of convenie
61. r and the back of a Remote unit can allow for varying thicknesses of different support structures an embodiment of a Remote unit may possibly include a recessed area that may help accommodate a lower portion of a possible clip member which could allow for a more secure adherence or attachment to support structures recessed areas for such things including a connector prong need not be embodied a clip member need not be embodied outwardly bulging portion of a possible clip member need not be embodied spacing between possible clip member and a Remote need not be embodied aperture need not be embodied a Remote or a clip member may include a magnetized material so that a Remote may be conveniently attached to a metal surface including such as that of a refrigerator door a surrounding audio venting on Remote need not be embodied a two way system can be incorporated so that an intercom ability or system exists between a Remote and another unit such as that of an answering machine any embodiment of a Remote or any unit or device that embodies houses or includes Remote capabilities and func tions may also include remote operational abilities and access to an answering machine and that remote operational access may also include the ability to externally audibly screen pre recorded messages already left on an answering machine the Remote interactive capabilities of an answering machine can be made to run off rechargeable batte
62. r and identify for whom the incoming call is for this provides not only for the obvious telephone screening uses but this can also eliminate a user from having to write down a message from a caller after picking up the telephone and finding that the call is not for him but for someone else when otherwise having known 6 104 923 21 that the call wasn t for him the user would have just let the answering machine pick up the caller s message By providing that the screening ability of a Remote unit or device the sound coming from a Remote can be audible a distance from the Remote itself and also providing that a Remote can be left in an On mode a Remote unit is capable of being used as a call screener hands free without the user having to be physically at a Remote in order to but the receiver up to his ear in order to hear and then screen the call to see if the call is for him and without the user having to turn On the Remote per incoming call Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device with the ability to outwardly audibly identify and hear the incoming caller and importantly by hearing the content of the incom ing message the user will learn the purpose of the incoming call which can alert the user who would otherwise not pick up the phone to such as an important call an awaited call a call
63. redetermined matching code can depending on embodiment limit the purchasing of additional Remotes at a later date Can provide an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device with a predetermined matching code between an answering machine and Remote s giving a manufacturer the option to include any multiple of corresponding coded Remotes in packaging Thereby eliminating concerns of purchasing additional Remotes at a later date Can provide an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or an answering machine with channel frequency selection automated and or manipulable for a best reception and or b to avoid possible interference c so that other persons in i e the same household may own and operate their own individual answering machine units and Remote units or devices that can set 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 22 to different channels so as to avoid interference and also allows for possible interchanging of units as described earlier Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that can plug directly into a power outlet for a constant source of power P
64. rging of a Remote Any LED can also be made to show how many messages have been left on an answering machine by blinking the corresponding number of messages The circuitry that enables these abilities are already known in the art An embodiment of a Remote unit may include automatic scanning and adjusting ability enabling a Remote to auto matically scan and adjust over multiple channels or frequen cies to best frequency reception and or an automatic chan nel select and scan control button or dial example 208 FIG 3F and or may include a manipulable channel frequency selector switch example 210 FIG 3A with which to be able to manipulably choose from certain multiple channels or frequencies An answering machine may possibly also include multiple channels or frequencies automatic and or manipulable and or selectable 110 FIG 6B Multiple channels or frequencies allow for i e a best reception ability and or b so that for example other persons in that same household business or neighboring area who may have their own personal answering machine and Remote s may be able to switch their own units answering machine and or Remote to a non interfering channel frequency and or have a Remote that is capable of automatically scanning to clearest frequency An example of one kind of possible manipulable channel frequency selector with a manipulable selector switch from which to choose from certain multiple frequencies or
65. rovides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that does not need recharging in a home base unit as does the Scordato telephone receiver screener which needs recharg ing in the cradle of its home base unit Therefore it follows that a Remote is then capable of being placed in more convenient remote locations or transported to several locations as its recharging abilities are not tied to where a home base unit resides Can provide an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device and or remote operational and outwardly audible remote screening unit or device that has the capacity to recharge and yet simultaneously still maintain operating power so as to still be able to send process and receive transmitted signals so that screening and or remote operation of an answering machine s func tions can be indefinite This means that even while a Remote is recharging in or at a power source it is still capable of being used for example as a screener as the power source still enables the functions of a Remote to continue Therefore the user does not have to give up any screening abilities when a Remote unit may be recharging The same would be true of any remote control abilities of a Remote Can provide an answering machine with a Remote overriding control switch located on an answering machi
66. rray of remote abilities This is also another potential selling point to and for a manufacturer 4 Even throughout a changing technology my invention could be made and sold for many years without becoming outmoded or obsolete Hence it has a long life cycle potential which would justify capital expenditures for tool ing and conducting advertising campaigns The user is thus provided with a remote call screening unit or capability and or remote call screening unit or capability along with remote operational capability to be used to listen to remotely screen and or remotely operate and access an answering machine with either of the units the Remote or the answering machine or each unit having appropriate inner workings to allow such capabilities the features not restricted to any particular type of telephone or to any telephone at all Such an invention has not even been hitherto available Still further objects and advantages many not already mentioned above will become apparent from a consider ation of the ensuing specification claims and drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGS 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E show front perspective views of some of many possible variants of basic Remotes in self contained units FIG 1A shows a front perspective view of a possible basic Remote without On Off or volume control that is On and audible as long as power source is available FIG 1B shows a perspective view of a possible basi
67. ry ies rechargeable battery ies in an answering machine that enable interaction capabilities with a Remote can be capable of being recharged by the same energy source as the answering machine s power supply thereby eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement or the need for sepa rate battery recharging the Remote interactive capabilities of an answering machine can be made to run off standard battery ies a Remote need not be embodied to allow such that a telephone s ring or an alarm signal be heard through it a Remote locator call switch on an answering machine and or a corresponding alarm sound and or LED on a Remote need not be embodied a Remote may include a Caller ID display a Remote may remain free standing and or include a number of various types of mounting structures including but not limited to suction hook and loop fasteners etc receptacles to hold Remote units may be embodied on which may include a variety of attachment sources including but not limited to double sided tape hook and loop fasteners magnetized material or some other feasible attachment method a Remote and or answering machine may incorporate such as voice scrambling and other eavesdrop securities a Remote s functions and capabilities may work with and or be housed within any type of phone including cellular digital or any other type of cordless phone a Remote s functions and capabilities that are included within
68. t the ability of the parents answering machine s continuing regular functioning This possible frequency channel selector interchangeability between an answering machine and other Remotes allows provides the consumer with much versatility convenience and economy and or c an answering machine and its manufacturer accompa nying Remote s can have factory predetermined matching codes so that signals are only sent to matching coded units thereby eliminating potential interference with other answering machine and or Remotes that may be within for example the same household or neighboring area An embodiment of this nature can also be made with or without the ability to automatically scan and adjust frequencies or channels with or without automatic select and scan button with or without manipulable channel frequency selector switch option Inclusion of channel frequency selection automatic or otherwise on either of or both an answering machine and or Remote s in an embodiment of this nature can still be a useful tool for the user to obtain optimum reception privacy and or versatility If there is a predetermined matching code between an answering machine and its Remote s the factory can include any plurality of matching coded Remote to accompany the answering machine unit in its manufacturer packaging Allowing more than one matching coded Remote to accompany an answering machine thereby con ven
69. t two modes including an OFF mode in which said loudspeaker does not audibly emit the incoming telephone messages and an active screen ing ON mode in which said loudspeaker audibly emits the incoming telephone messages without further intervention of the user 3 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said telephone answering means includes a remote pickup function wherein lifting a receiver of any telephone extension of the same telephone line as said telephone answering means will stop said remote call screening device from audibly emitting the incoming telephone message 6 104 923 27 4 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises an amplifier for ampli fying the audio signal to said loudspeaker 5 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a volume control 6 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational con trols for remotely operating said telephone answering means 7 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote operational con trols for remotely operating said telephone answering means including on off stop play replay forward back listen and pause 8 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises remote control means for remotely controlling said telephone answering means to replay record
70. t with an answering machine having appropriate components or circuitry allowing inter action and response between answering machine and Remotes and or Remote capabilities providing a convenient answering machine remote control and or screening device that is not limited to a telephone or any single or specific type of telephone Nor are Remotes limited to an area such as a home base unit for its power recharging sources The invention can provide for convenience portability and economy and is simple such that it can be used by persons of almost any age It will be evident to those skilled in the art that a great many variants of the foregoing invention are possible From above descriptions it should be apparent that the present invention is adapted and can be adapted to be used in a variety of locations and such that the Remotes may remain freestanding be rested on a horizontal surface supported from a vertical surface placed in a supporting structure housed within and incorporated within other units etc The invention has the advantages in that it depending on embodiment Provides an answering machine outwardly audible remote screening unit or device Of that which is not limited to the use of a telephone any certain or specific type of telephone or any limited number of telephones The screen ing functions are made available to immediately relay incoming calls outwardly audible to the user via a Remote unit or devic
71. utton FIG 4A and FIG 4B show front perspective views of possible Remotes showing some possible embodiments that 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 8 include additional remote operational or remote control function s and feature s that are usable with an answering machine FIG 5A shows a side view of a possible Remote that includes a possible phone jack connector prong shown in contact with a phone line outlet FIG 5B shows a perspective view of a possible Remote and also includes a posible corded AC prong FIG 6A shows a front elevational view of an example of a possible basic answering machine that can be used with a Remote FIG 6B shows a front elevational view of a possible answering machine that embodies possible additional vari able features that can be used together with a Remote unit FIG 7A shows possible embodiment of Remote included within telephone base cradle FIG 7B shows possible embodiment of Remote included within phone recharger base unit cradle FIG 8 shows possible embodiment of Remote included within a phone handset receiver FIG 9 shows possible embodiment of Remote included within both phone base and a phone handset receiver FIG 10 shows possible embodiment of Remote included within a TV set FIG 11 shows possible embodiment of Remote included within a computer system FIG 12 shows possible embodiment of Remote included within a cellular phone or car
72. utton call switch 135 FIG 6B which when activated will signal an alarm sound in the Remote s should the user be unable to locate the Remote One or any possible LED in a Remote may also blink or light up in response to the activation of the Remote locator button The user will then have no trouble finding the Remote s if 6 104 923 19 they happen to have been misplaced or if he has forgotten where he placed it them An answering machine may be manufactured to be pro grammable for use with Remotes or accept programmable Remotes This could in the case where a code is needed or there is a predetermined matching code between answering machine and Remotes units already purchased also accommodate for the purchase and use of Remotes or additional Remotes that then can be programmed to match the code of the already purchased answering machine at a later date than the original purchase of the answering machine Answering machines may be manufactued in different ways to work or interact with Remotes including being manipulable and or being pre manufactured to work with Remote and or being programmable to work with Remotes The necessary circuitry to enable these embodiments are generally well known in the art of such Conclusion Ramifications and Scope Thus the reader will see that Remotes having appropriate remote operating and or receiving and or transmitting com ponents or circuitry can interac
73. vice that must be purchased in order to be able to use Caller ID And most importantly Caller ID is not very practical Since most people don t like their telephone numbers being given out and most people have opted to block Caller ID which means that no matter even if a user has Caller ID service those numerous people who have blocked Caller ID have phone numbers that are not accessible to the user with a Caller ID system They are unscreenable s to provide for a more cost effective means for manu facturers and consumers 1 Since circuitry is less complicated than the Scordato patent it should be cheaper to build and in turn should be less expensive for consumers to buy Less expensive equals more affordability for the consumer which in theory equals a higher probability that the masses will buy 2 Most households contain at least one answering device or machine Most answering machines are replaced every few years therefore my invention should be easy to sell not only to consumers but to manufacturers as well 3 In providing the option of more than one Remote or numerous Remotes that are capable of being used in con junction with or interacting with a telephone answering device or machine and or the option of being able to use and 6 104 923 7 purchase additional Remotes at a later date than the original purchase of an answering device or machine gives the purchaser a broader consumer choice and a greater a
74. vice includes a first channel or frequency selector switch for operating said first remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone messages trans mitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency and said second remote call screening device includes a second channel or frequency selector switch for operating said second remote call screening device to audibly emit incoming telephone 10 15 32 messages transmitted as audio signals on said first channel or frequency and or on said second channel or frequency 45 The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said first remote call screening device and said second remote call screening device further comprise remote operational controls for remotely operating said telephone answering means includ ing a remote recording switch for controlling said telephone answering means to record messages communicated from said remote call screening device 46 The apparatus of claim 42 wherein at least one of said first remote call screening device or said second remote call screening device is operable in at least two modes including an OFF mode in which said loudspeaker does not audibly emit the incoming telephone messages and an active screen ing ON mode in which said loudspeaker audibly emits the incoming telephone messages without further intervention of the user
75. vice is incorporated into a television 17 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said answering means or said remote call screening device is incorporated into a cordless telephone system 18 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said answering means or said remote call screening device is incorporated into a cellular telephone 19 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said answering means or said remote call screening device is incorporated into a computer 20 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remote call screening device further comprises a remote privacy indi cator for indicating when the recorded telephone messages on said telephone answering means are being accessed 21 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said telephone answering means further comprises a call screening privacy indicator for indicating when said remote call screening device is in operation 22 Apparatus for screening incoming telephone calls comprising 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 28 a telephone answering means having recording means for recording incoming telephone messages and having a transmitter for transmitting the incoming telephone messages as audio signals simultaneously as the incom ing telephone messages are received and a remote call screening device having a receiver for receiving the audio signals and a loudspeaker for audibly emitting the incoming telephone messages simultaneously as the incoming telephone
76. viously consumers While my above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments thereof Many other variations are possible including for example Remotes can be of various types including Remotes can be of the kind where it is receiver only Remotes can be the kind where it also includes remote control operational capabilities Remotes can be of the kind where it also includes a recording ability Remotes can be of the kind where it has remote control capabilities and also remote recording abilities Remotes can be of the kind where it has remote control capabilities remote screening capabilities and also remote recording abilities 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 24 or include any combination thereof Remote units can have other or any shapes and or sizes any or all functions and capabilities of a Remote may be incorporated into other various units or devices any or all functions and capabilities of an answering device or answering machine may be incorporated into other various units or devices the functions and capabilites of a Remote may be incor porated into a watch or timepiece the functions and capabilities of a Remote may accom pany various other units or devices the functions and capabilities of a Remote may be made to interact w

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