An automatic dialer for controlling access to a long-distance telephone network. The automatic dialer includes a read/write memory. Each time the user attempts to call through the network a telephone number inaccessible via the network, an entry representing the area code and/or exchange of that telephone number is made in the memory. Prior to calling the network, the dialer compares the destination telephone number with the entries in the memory; the call is placed via the network only if the area code and exchange of the destination number do not match any of the entries. The entries in the memory are ordered according to recency of attempts by the user to access a telephone number within the groups of telephone numbers represented by the entries; when the memory is filled, the oldest entry is deleted to make room for the newest entry. Memory entries may be erased manually or automatically, by the network control station, without human intervention, to remove entries corresponding to areas added to the network. Automatic erasure is accomplished by the network sending an appropriate command, using tone signalling, as part of a message that the user has attempted to call a location not covered by the network.

Improved telephone number input terminal devices for memory stored dialing data for automatic dialing have a divided housing (12) with an upper section (13) that is readily attached to and removed from a base section (14) so that a printed circuit board (61) which carries a plurality of electric elements (17) may be made inexpensively and readily assembled. A single electric element (51) is carried on the card finder (25) which is slidable on and retained by an enlarged end portion of the cover (22) for the index cards. Light emitting diodes and Hall effect devices are examples of preferred electric elements that may be used in the switch means to effect the electric switching required.

Improved telephone apparatus. Circuitry in the apparatus includes a memory unit. Telephone numbers can be dialed into the memory unit while an individual is conversing over the telephone. After the individual completes his conversation, the circuitry automatically electronically dials one of the telephone numbers stored in the memory unit.

A portable, electronic, desk-top information display device for office use in recording and selectively displaying information, comprising a keyboard the keys of which are operable to control the operation of electronic circuitry forming part of the device, and a stationary display panel on which the said electronic circuitry is adapted to produce a matrix array of illuminated dots of other discrete display items in a multiplicity of substantially equi-distant columns, with each dot being illuminated independently of all the others, so as to permit a plurality of letters, numbers or other symbols to be displayed simultaneously across the panel with the majority of such symbols having a width of at least two columns.

A telephone cord having an automatic dialer incorporated therein. The telephone cord connects a telephone to a wall jack and includes a line powered dialer circuit. When the associated telephone handset goes off-hook for placement of on outgoing call, a predetermined prefix of numbers is automatically dialed prior to a caller entered number using DTMF tones. A confirmation tone may then be issued to the user. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the phone cord and accompanying dialer module include a microprocessor to perform intelligent functions. A caller dialed number is initially trapped and buffered, wherein a modified sequence of numbers is then redialed, if necessary. A prerecorded message or confirmation tone may be issued to the caller while the message is being buffered. In another alternative embodiment, a number recognition program is automatically downloaded from a central office upon power up to assist in automatic dialing of local toll calls. Also an access key can be pressed in order to initiate the dialing sequence, such that the invention may be used on any phone including those utilizing a PBX. A multi-position switch is included for mode selection and to disable the device when desired.