Dale Martinez Bennett

US Patent:

44306393, Feb 7, 1984

Filed:

May 21, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/265773

Inventors:

Dale L. Bennett - Lafayette CA
Robert J. Grady - Huntsville AR
James L. Konsevich - San Jose CA
Perry H. Vartanian - Woodside CA

Assignee:

Benvar Associates, c/o Dale Bennett - New York NY

International Classification:

H04B 354

US Classification:

340310A

Abstract:

Each of a plurality of message terminal units (10, 12, 14, 16) has a keyboard (20) for entry of data, a visual display (22) for display of entered and received data, and a logic system (FIG. 4) for processing received and transmitted messages. Each unit stores in a CPU (52) a dedicated user terminal identification. Each transmitted message is annexed to a destination terminal identification and said user terminal identification (FIG. 5). Only a unit with a stored user identification identical to the destination identification in a transmitted message can receive and display transmitted messages. Upon receipt of a message, a terminal sends an automatic response to the sending terminal, which provides an appropriate indication to the sender. The receiver can send a manual acknowledgement (42) to the sender, which causes the message to be cleared from the sender's display. The units transmit messages via pulse modulation of a high frequency carrier over a supply power line (26) so that no special wiring is required.