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:
Jul. 20, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 12, 1994
Dwight D Lynn, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Kirk A Reid, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Shu-Ren Chen, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
GN Netcom, Inc., Scotts Valley, CA (US);
Abstract
Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied and whether calls can be directed to that workstation by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant's headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have included a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier, enabling the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier. However, this defeats the sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. An amplifier according to the invention replaces the existing amplifier and includes a detector for determining whether a communication link exists between the headset and the amplifier, and an activator for activating the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system. In the preferred embodiment, the detector senses both interruption and reestablishment of the communication link between the headset and the amplifier, and the activator activates both current-sensing and voltage/resistance-sensing automatic log on/log off systems.