Abstract A rapid response intercommunication system is disclosed. A plurality of intercom stations among which audio connections are required are connected to a central switching unit wherein novel digitally controlled switching circuitry is selectively actuated by a calling station to thereby automatically establish two-way audio paths between the calling station and a selectively predetermined number of called stations without any action being required on the part of the called stations. Monitoring means are provided at the calling station whereby the calling station can monitor the called stations to prevent the calling station from interrupting any conversation that may be in progress between the called stations and other stations. Means are also provided at the calling station and at each called station such that any station can cut off the audio connection between it and the calling station. The calling station can also automatically establish a party line among a selectively predetermined number of called stations.
Inventors
👤 Hallett R Stiles
👤 John D Vinatieri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-05 15:26
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M9/00; H04M9/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A digital, rapid response intercommunication system comprising: a plurality of intercom stations which can operate as calling or called stations; station selector means at each station; first digital switching means connected between each station and every other station, said switching means being responsive to digital control signals produced by selective actuation of said selector means at a calling station to thereby automatically establish a two-way communications path between said calling station and a selectively predetermined called station; means at each calling station for monitoring any called station to assure that existing conversations involving the called station are not interrupted; means at each called station for automatically indicating to the called station the identity of a calling station and for automatically disabling the communication path established by the calling station; and second digital switching means connected to said stations for automatically establishing two-way, party line communication paths involving any or all of said stations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A digital, rapid response intercommunication system comprising: a plurality of intercom stations which can operate as calling or called stations; station selector means at each station; first digital switching means connected between each station and every other station, said switching means being responsive to digital control signals produced by selective actuation of said selector means at a calling station to thereby automatically establish a two-way communications path between said calling station and a selectively predetermined called station; means at each calling station for monitoring any called station to assure that existing conversations involving the called station are not interrupted; means at each called station for automatically indicating to the called station the identity of a calling station and for automatically disabling the communication path established by the calling station; and second digital switching means connected to said stations for automatically establishing two-way, party line communication paths involving any or all of said stations.