Telephone with a mute ringer function having an automatic ringer reactivation capability
US6002763A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A telephone with a mute ringer function having an automatic disabling feature includes multiple call indicators including a ringer. A power output reducing device is connected to the ringer to reduce the ringer volume prior to a connection between the telephone and a remotely located telephone. A volume switch control unit is connected to the power output reducing device to reset the ringer volume to a level established prior to a volume reduction upon detecting either connectivity to the remotely located telephone or the termination of the connection. A selecting device selects an incoming call indicator prior to the connection to the remote telephone. A reverting device automatically reverts power to a previously selected incoming call indicator upon either establishing connectivity for the call or the termination of the call. In a preferred embodiment, the ringer power output reducing device and the ringer power output resetting device include a volume switch connected to the ringer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.