The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 16, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 11, 1996
Mindaugas Fernand Dautartas, Alburtis, PA (US);
Steven David Robinson, Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA (US);
Lucent Technologies Inc., Murray Hill, NJ (US);
Abstract
A programmable timer circuit having ON and OFF volume control states; for controlling the volume of audible signals generated by a signal generator of a communication device at preprogrammed times is disclosed. The programmable timer circuit monitors a communication link for the presence of signals indicative of an incoming communication. When such signals are detected and the volume control state of the timer circuit is ON, the volume of the audible signals generated by the signal generator of the communication device is adjusted so that such audible signals are broadcast with a programmed loudness. Volume control of the audible signals generated by the signal generator does not prevent outgoing communications using the communication device. The fact that the volume of the audible signals generated by the signal generator is controlled, is not apparent to the calling party. Incoming calls for which the volume of the audible signals generated by the signal generator have been controlled can be automatically forwarded to a locally connected answering machine. An override feature is provided that allows an audible signal indicative of an incoming call to be generated, even when the timer circuit is ON, if an authorized signal is detected.