Abstract An improved system and network is provided for coupling a unit, such as an electronic telephone answering unit, to a multiplicity of telephone lines. The coupling is achieved by the system in a manner such that no load is imposed on any of the telephone lines until a ringing signal is received, at which time the coupling system of the invention serves to connect the telephone answering unit to the telephone line on which the ringing signal is received and, at the same time, to impose a ''''busy'''' connection to the other telephone lines so long as the telephone answering unit is occupied. The coupling system of the invention includes an optical relay circuit which includes a gaseous discharge lamp across each telephone line, and which glows when a ringing signal is received so as to activate an associated photocell which initiates the desired connections between the telephone lines and the telephone answering unit.
A dcoupling system adapted to be connected to a line and responsive to signals received thereon having an amplitude above a particular amplitude threshold, said coupling system including: a gaseous discharge lamp adapted to be connected across said line, said lamp being unresponsive to signals below the aforesaid amplitude threshold and adapted to be energized and illuminated in the presence of signals received over said line above said threshold; a relay having an energizing coil; photoelectric transducer means connected in circuit with said energizing coil of said relay and mounted adjacent said lamp to respond to the illumination of said lamp to activate said relay, a further lamp mounted adjacent said photoelectric transducer means, an energizing circuit for said further lamp, and a pair of contacts associated with said relay incorporated in said last-named energizing circuit to cause said further lamp to become energized upon the activation of said relay and to serve as a holding means for said relay.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
A dcoupling system adapted to be connected to a line and responsive to signals received thereon having an amplitude above a particular amplitude threshold, said coupling system including: a gaseous discharge lamp adapted to be connected across said line, said lamp being unresponsive to signals below the aforesaid amplitude threshold and adapted to be energized and illuminated in the presence of signals received over said line above said threshold; a relay having an energizing coil; photoelectric transducer means connected in circuit with said energizing coil of said relay and mounted adjacent said lamp to respond to the illumination of said lamp to activate said relay, a further lamp mounted adjacent said photoelectric transducer means, an energizing circuit for said further lamp, and a pair of contacts associated with said relay incorporated in said last-named energizing circuit to cause said further lamp to become energized upon the activation of said relay and to serve as a holding means for said relay.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The coupling system defined in claim 1, in which said relay means includes a pair of contacts connecting an external unit to said line upon the activation of said relay means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The coupling system defined in claim 1, in which said relay means includes a pair of contacts in circuit with a further line to establish said further line in a ''''busy'''' condition upon the activation of said relay means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The coupling system defined in claim 1, in which said relay includes a pair of contacts connecting an external unit to said line upon the activation of said relay, and means for de-energizing said last-named lamp upon the receipt of a signal from said external unit indicating said unit''s completion of an operational cycle.