Aastra Technologies Limited

Aastra Aerospace Inc.

Aastra Corporation

Anthony P Shen

Francis N Shen

Grigor K Kotzev

Gerrard B Schmid

Eric C Edwards

An extension-in-use exclusion apparatus is for use in a telephone system. The system has a telephone device, a telephone line, and two telephone extensions connected to the line. The apparatus is connected between one extension and the telephone device. The apparatus has an exclusion controller connecting the line to the telephone device when all extensions other than the extension for the telephone device are on-hook and the telephone device extension is off-hook. The exclusion controller does not connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. A user operable switch can instruct the exclusion controller to connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. The apparatus automatically returns to exclusion mode when the telephone device returns to off-hook. A by-pass allows FSK signals to pass directly through to the telephone device. The apparatus has no polarity and is symmetrical.

Extension-in-use exclusion apparatus

A method and apparatus for allowing a conventional caller identification adjunct device to support spontaneous call waiting identification service. During an ongoing call, CPE alerting signals indicating a second, incoming call are received by a converter device which mutes a line to the connected telephone and responds with the appropriate DTMF signal. Following the correct response, the telephone company sends information in an FSK format which describes the number and name of a second caller. Upon receiving the FSK information, the converter adds the appropriate protocol information to the FSK information so that it can be understood by the CID display device. The modified information is then transferred to the CID display device where it is displayed.

Method and apparatus for supporting spontaneous call waiting

A technique for converting specific dial tone signals received from a telephone exchange, such as those which indicate a Message Waiting, into formats that are readily recognized by telephones or adjunct devices is disclosed. A dial tone converter device is connected between the telephone exchange providing the dial tone signalling and a message indicator device (such as an integrated telephone or message display adjunct device) which does not recognize dial tone signals. Alternately, the dial tone converter device is connected in parallel with the message indicator device. Under normal conditions, the message indicator device is connected to the telephone exchange in a way that all types of signalling (including dialing, voice, and FSK) can pass to and from the exchange. At specific intervals when neither the telephone nor any extensions at the subscriber's number are in use, the dial tone converter engages the line such that the dial tone signal is provided by the telephone exchange. The converter device briefly monitors the dial tone signal, determines whether the dial tone signal conforms to a specific dial tone signal (such as interrupted or continuous tones), then disengages the line. The converter device then transmits the related information to the message indicator device in a format which will be recognized thereby.

Interrupted tone converter

A device that links a telecommunication device (for example a data terminal, a telephone instrument, a message terminal or a video terminal) directly to a telephone line for cancellation of a call waiting tone. When an incoming call is received by the linked telecommunication device, the device according to the invention places the interface terminal on hold while maintaining it on line, while a special call waiting cancellation DTMF code such as '*70' is generated and transmitted. Following this action, telecommunication device is returned to the line and the original transmission is allowed to resume.

Call waiting cancellation device

An audio caller identification unit is connected between a user's telephone and a telephone exchange providing calling party identification, such as calling number or name. The unit has user accessible audio inputs, either a microphone or an interface to a handset of the telephone. The unit also has audio message memory, a user programmable table of concordance for tacking the location of audio messages, a record/playback device, a speaker, and a controller. The unit may also have a visual display. Control keys may be connected to the controller, however their function may also be performed by using a keypad of the telephone. A speech generator may also be connected to the controller and to the speaker. In operation, the unit has programming, review, and monitoring modes. In the monitoring mode, the unit recognizes the number of a calling party (decoded from calling number delivery, call display, or similar network-to-terminal signals on phone lines) by reviewing the table of concordance, finds the appropriate message for that number and plays aloud the message stored for that calling party's number either through the speaker or the handset. The unit also stores information about the call for later recovery, possible from a remote location. In programming mode, the control keys are used to prepare the unit to receive audio messages from the microphone or handset. The unit stores the messages and programs the table of concordance.

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Unionville, Canada

Anthony P Shen