Voice and data telecommunications apparatus

Claim 2

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch.

Claim 3

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said transition button comprises an electronic or mechanical or optical actuator.

Claim 4

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and further including a data state timer means for actuating said tone generator, said data state timer means repeatedly operable for the duration of the call connection.

Claim 5

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and further including a tone detector connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line, said tone detector being operable to detect said unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and actuate said controller to change the position of said mode switch.

Claim 6

Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said tone detector is further operable to cause said tone generator to produce a unique confirmation tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line.

Claim 7

Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said unique tone signal and said unique confirmation tone signal comprise dual-tone signals.

Claim 8

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch, said mode switch further having a neutral position, and said controller being operable to place said mode switch in said neutral position while said tone generator is producing said tone signal.

Claim 9

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch, said mode switch further having a neutral position, and said controller being operable to place said mode switch in said neutral position while said tone generator is producing said tone signal.

Claim 10

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from said second position to the said first position, said data state timer means repeatedly operable for the duration of the call connection.

Claim 11

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from said second position to the said first position, said data state timer means repeatedly operable for the duration of the call connection.

Claim 12

Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said unique tone signal comprises a dual tone signal.

Claim 13

Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and further including a tone signal detector for responding to said tone signal other than modem carrier and moving said mode switch from one of said positions to the other of said positions, and a confirmation tone signal generator responsive to said tone signal detector for generating a unique confirmation tone signal other than modem carrier on said phone line in response to receipt of a transition tone signal, said confirmation tone generator repeatedly operable during the duration of the call.

Claim 14

Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and further including (e) a control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and said modem during voice and data states and state transitions and while said modem is disconnected or connected to the phone line.

Claim 15

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said data state timer means comprising a data state timer for automatically moving said switch from said second position to said first position at a predetermined timing period.

Claim 16

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said data state timer means comprising a data state timer for automatically moving said switch from said second position to said first position at a predetermined timing period.

Claim 17

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said controller further including a voice state timer for preventing said controller from moving said mode switch from said first position to said second position until after a predetermined timing period.

Claim 18

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said controller further including a voice state timer for preventing said controller from moving said mode switch from said first position to said second position until after a predetermined timing period.

Claim 19

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

Claim 20

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and the telephone being disconnected and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and the modem being disconnected; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a unique tone signal other than modem carrier on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

Claim 21

Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said computer causes said mode switch to be placed in said first position.

Claim 22

Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

Claim 23

Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said tone signal comprises at least two tones.

Claim 24

Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

Claim 25

Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, and further including (e) a control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and said modem during voice and data states and state transitions and while said modem is disconnected or connected to the phone line.

Claim 26

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 27

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a transition button means for actuating said tone generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line just prior to the time that said controller changes the position of said mode switch, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 28

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 29

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone signal generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) said controller including a data state timer means for automatically causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 30

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 31

Apparatus for transmitting analog voice and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having at least first and second positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem and when in the second position the phone line being connected to the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position or in said second position; (c) a data transition tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; and (d) a computer connected to said modem and to said controller for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions, said mode switch further including a neutral position wherein said phone line is disconnected from said telephone and said modem, and said tone generator produces said tone signal when said mode switch is in said neutral position.

Claim 32

Apparatus as set forth in claim 22, and further including a record/playback means with said controller connected to said record/playback means and a control means for controlling said record/playback means to answer an incoming call, playback, record, and stop recording.

Claim 37

Apparatus for transmitting analog and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal or computer and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having first, second and third positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem, when in said second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and when in said third position the phone line being disconnected from the modem and the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position, said second position or in said third position; (c) a tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; (d) a first control means for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions; (e) a second control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and the modem during voice and data states and state transitions, and while said modem is connected and disconnected from the phone line; (f) a data state timer means for automatically returning from the data state to the voice state after a predetermined timing period; (g) a voice state timer means for remaining in the voice state until a predetermined time interval has expired; and (h) a tone detector connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line, said tone detector being operable to detect a tone signal on the phone line and actuate said controller to change the position of said mode switch and to cause said tone generator to produce tone signals on the phone line.

Claim 38

Apparatus for transmitting analog and data communications on a phone line utilizing a telephone, a data terminal or computer and a modem, the modem being connected to the data terminal, said apparatus comprising: (a) a mode switch adapted to be connected to the phone line, to the modem and to the telephone, said mode switch having first, second and third positions, when in said first position the phone line being connected to the modem, when in said second position the phone line being connected to the telephone and when in said third position the phone line being disconnected from the modem and the telephone; (b) a controller connected to said mode switch for placing said mode switch in said first position, said second position or in said third position; (c) a tone generator connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line; (d) a first control means for causing said generator to produce a tone signal on the phone line and causing said mode switch to move from one of said positions to the other of said positions; (e) a second control means for maintaining known and compatible states in said data terminal and the modem during voice and data states and state transitions, and while said modem is connected and disconnected from the phone line; (f) a data state timer means for automatically returning from the data state to the voice state after a predetermined timing period; (g) a voice state timer means for remaining in the voice state until a predetermined time interval has expired; and (h) a tone detector connected to said controller and adapted to be connected to the phone line, said tone detector being operable to detect a tone signal on the phone line and actuate said controller to change the position of said mode switch and to cause said tone generator to produce tone signals on the phone line.