GB2166623A - Telephone receiving apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Telephone apparatus is provided which can communicate through two or more telephone lines (line 1, line 2). When a call is in progress on one line, the apparatus can suspend communication with that line without disconnecting it, and set up or receive a call on another line. The apparatus can have "hold" and "conference" functions and indicators (LED1 and LED2) to indicate the states of the telephone lines. It is simple to use and is suitable for domestic installation.

Description

SPECIFICATION Telephone Receiving Apparatus This invention relates to a telephone receiving apparatus for communication with two or more telephone lines.

The present invention seeks to provide a compact telephone which can be connected to more than one telephone line and has such facilities as "hold" and "conference" functions and which is simple to use.

It could be used, for example, in a domestic installation.

According to the present invention there is provided a telephone apparatus which can communicate through two or more telephone lines and which, without disconnecting one line, can suspend communication with that line and communicate through another line.

According to one arrangement, the user of the apparatus can alternately suspend and re-estabiish communication between the two or more telephone lines as required.

Preferably the apparatus indicates when a line is in use, when a line is connected but suspended, and when an incoming call is received and on which line.

The apparatus may be self-contained in that it requires no power source additional to the power derived from the telephone line and is housed in a unit which is merely plugged into a suitable wall socket.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure lisa circuit diagram of a telephone receiver according to the invention and Figure 2 is a copy of Figure 1 on a smaller scale.

Referring to Figure lithe circuit shows an arrangement of standard components represented by standard symbols as can readily be understood by one skilled in the art.

The operation is as follows.

When an incoming call is received, the telephone emits a ringing tone according to which line is being used and the LED labelled "RINGER" above the respective line button flashes green. The appropriate line button is pressed, the handset is lifted and the caller is connected to the handset. On lifting the handset, the green "RINGER" LED goes out and the "IN USE" LED illuminates steady green.

To place a call, one or other line button is pressed, the handset is lifted and the number dialled. On lifting the handset, the "IN USE" LED illuminates steady green. In the case where an extension phone is installed and in use, the green "IN USE" LED lights up indicating that line is engaged.

To place a call on "Hold", the "HOLD" button is pressed and the handset replaced. The "IN USE" LED changes from green to red indicating that the line is on hold. The other line can now be used as above for incoming calls orfor placing calls.

A second call can similarly be placed on hold. To return to either conversation, the appropriate line button is pressed.

To "conference" two calls, both the line buttons "LINE 1" and "LINE 2" are pressed at once. All three parties can then communicate together. Pressing a "HOLD" button will again suspend one caller.

The "conference" mode should be de-activated by pressing one or other line buttons before next using the telephone.

Annexed hereto is a copy of draft user's instructions for further information.

Using Your Grand Prix 11TM Electronic Two Line Telephone Congratulations on your purchase of a Grand Prix 11TM electronic telephone. The Grand Prix 11TM has several unique features which we are sure you will find extremely useful.

In order to use the features correctly, please review these instructions prior to using your Grand Prix 11TM You must have two telephones lines with separate telephone numbers in order to fully utilize the grand prix IITM. If you do not have two telephone lines, you should call your telephone company to install the second telephone line.

Installing the Grand Prix 11TM The Grand Prix 11TM comes with a line cord and an adaptor. If the telephone jack where you will be installing your Grand Prix 11TM has been wired by the phone company for two separate phone lines, simply plug the line cord which is supplied with yourtelephone into the telephone jack as shown in figure two.

If your installation will combine the telephone lines from two separate jacks, you must use the adaptor. Plug the adaptor into the telephone jack you wish to be line one and the attached cord into the second jack which will be line two. Note: If the attached cord is not long enough, you must purchase a telephone extension cord from your dealer. Plug the supplied line cord into the adaptor as shown in figure three.

If you plug your Grand Prix 11TM into a jack only wired for one phone line, only line one will be available to you-you may use the phone normally, the hold feature will work as will the line in use light.

Answering a Call Your Grand Prix 11TM has two distinctive ranging sounds one for each telephone line, which you will probably soon recognize and associate with the respective telephone line. In addition to the distinctive sound, the LED labelled +RINGER+ above the respective line button will flash green as the telephone rings.

After you determine which line is ringing, simply press the appropriate line button, lift the handset and begin your conversation. As you lift the handset the green ringer LED will go out and the +IN USE+ LED will illuminate a steady green.

Placing a Call Determine the telephone line you wish to use, press the appropriate line button, lift the handset and dial your call. You will again notice that as you lift the handset, the +IN USE+ LED will light up. If you have another extension phone in use on one of your lines the green +IN USE+ LED will light up indicating that someone is already using that line.

Placing a Call on Hold If you wish to place a call on hold, to continue the call at anothertelephone, or to place another call, inform the other party that you are placing them on hold and press the +HOLD+ button then replace the handset. The +IN USE+ LED will change from green to red to remind you that the line is on hold.

If you wish to place or answer another call, simply press the other +LINE+ button, lift the handset and dial or answer the call. The second call can now be placed on hold. In order to return to either conversation, simply press the appropriate line button and if necessary liftthe handset. You can switch back and forth between calls by activating the hold feature.

Conferencing Two Calls In order to conference two telephone calls, either one or both calls should be on hold. Simply press both +LINE 1 + and +LINE 2+ buttons at the same time. This will connect you with both callers who can talk to each other as well as you. Both +lN USE+ LEDS will light up. You may notice a slight drop in volume as you conference. This is normal as the conference feature utilizes only the telephone line power, eliminating the need for an AC adaptor.

You may at any time use the hold feature while you are in the conference mode=push the hold button and both lines will go on hold. Then select the line you wish to talk to by pushing the corresponding line button, or both simultaneously if you wish to return to the conference mode.

Note: After completing the call push one of the line buttons down to deactivate the conference feature. Otherwise, the next time you lift the handset to place a call you will access both telephone lines.

Possible Problems and Solutions Problem: You can only access one telephone line.

Cause: You may only have one telephone line in your home.

Solution: Ask the phone company to install another line.

Cause: The jack you are using is not wired for two lines.

Solution: Use the adaptor as shown in figure three.

Problem: You notice a decrease in volume when you are using the conference feature.

Cause: This is normal since the Grand Prix 1;TM operates off telephone line power.

Problem: When you press both +LINE 1 + AND +LINE 2+ buttons to conference a call only one +LINE+ button stays down.

Cause: You are not pressing both buttons simultaneously and holding them down momentarily.

Solution: After a few attempts, you will get the +KNACK+ of doing this properly and should experience no more difficulties.

If you experience any additional problems, please contact the dealerfrom whom you brought the phone, or call Telequest Customer Service at (818) 841-9999 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm pacific standard time.

Features in Use (Line Status) 1. Line status without use of external power.

2. Applicable to any number of telephone lines.

Specifically developed in this case for the Grand Prix II two-line telephone.

3. Can be applied to any device connected to any telephone network including modern single line telephones, multiline telephones, utilizing no batteries or AC power.

4. Line status can be expanded to provide other types and forms of signaling (i.e. buzer) as well as control of other systems via coupling to the LED.

3 Key Operation 1. A two-line telephone key which incorporates line 1, line 2, hold and conference into 3 keys.

2. The major feature is the ability to put either or both parties on hold and switch back and forth between them and to conference between the two lines.

Claims (5)

1. Telephone apparatus which can communicate through two or more telephone lines and which, without disconnecting one line, can suspend communication with that line and communicate through another line.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user of the apparatus can alternately suspend and re-establish telephone communication between the two or more telephone lines.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, including means for indicating when a line is in use; when a line is connected but suspended; and when an incoming call is received and on which line.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which is self-contained in that it requires no power source additional to the power derived from the telephone line and is housed in a unit which is merely plugged into a suitable wall socket.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.