Patent · US Expired

User installed telephone option module

US5995621A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
5References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 13, 1995
Grant dateNov 30, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 13, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04M1/02
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides a user installable option module which contains upgrade circuitry to add additional functions to a basic telephone. This generic upgrade module is capable of containing different sets of electronic circuitry which perform different functions and have different applications. The option module is user installable, and requires neither shipping the original unit to repair or upgrade, nor does it require trained service personnel to visit the customer site to perform the installation. The user installed option is installed in the base of a basic telephone. After installation, the option module appears to be an integral part of the basic telephone and is not readily visible to the user. The basic telephone also retains its original footprint. The option module is secured to the basic telephone in such a manner that prevents the option module from being damaged when subjected to significant forces.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.