US5185784A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Line switching apparatus
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
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Filing: 1992-01-21
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Granted: 1993-02-09
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Expires: 2012-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A line switching apparatus is adapted for use with a communication apparatus which comprises a plurality of lines which are accommodated according to a key number system, a plurality of ports which aer connected to communication terminals, and a matrix switch which couples the lines and the ports. The line switching apparatus comprises an auxiliary apparatus, and a control part for detecting an arbitrary one of the ports which is down and not capable of making a communication, disconnecting the arbitrary port from one of the lines and connecting the one line which is originally connected to the arbitrary port to a port which is originally connected to a line of a last key number, and connecting the line of the last key number to the auxiliary apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Chuzo Nashimoto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:00
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/32; H04N1/32358; H04N1/324; H04N1/32406; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0008; H04Q3/0012
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A line switching apparatus adapted for use with a communication apparatus which comprises a plurality of lines which are accommodated according to a key number system, a plurality of ports which are connected via line inputs of communication terminals to said communication terminals, said communication terminals also having control inputs, and a matrix switch which couples the lines and the ports, said line switching apparatus comprising: an auxiliary apparatus; and control means including first means for detecting via the control inputs of said communication terminals an arbitrary one of the ports which is down and not capable of making a communication, second means for disconnecting the arbitrary port from one of the lines and connecting the one line which is originally connected tot he arbitrary port to a port which is originally connected to a line of a last key number, and third means for connecting the line of the last key number to said auxiliary apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A line switching apparatus adapted for use with a communication apparatus which comprises a plurality of lines which are accommodated according to a key number system, a plurality of ports which are connected via line inputs of communication terminals to said communication terminals, said communication terminals also having control inputs, and a matrix switch which couples the lines and the ports, said line switching apparatus comprising: an auxiliary apparatus; and control means including first means for detecting via the control inputs of said communication terminals an arbitrary one of the ports which is down and not capable of making a communication, second means for disconnecting the arbitrary port from one of the lines and connecting the one line which is originally connected tot he arbitrary port to a port which is originally connected to a line of a last key number, and third means for connecting the line of the last key number to said auxiliary apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second means comprises a matrix switch controller for controlling a connection of the matrix switch
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said third means comprises a switch which connects the line of the last key number to said auxiliary apparatus in response to at least one of control signals output from said first and second means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary apparatus is a talkie apparatus and said control means further includes fourth means for operating said talkie apparatus to send a message on the line of the last key number, said message indicating that the arbitrary port is down.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means further comprises fourth means for detecting whether or not the port which is originally connected to the line of the last key number is busy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said control means further includes fifth means for disconnecting the one line from the arbitrary port and connecting the one line to said auxiliary apparatus until the line of the last key number becomes non-busy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary apparatus comprises a talkie apparatus and a modem which is coupled to said control means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the communication terminals include a network control unit, a modem and a facsimile control unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The line switching apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said line switching apparatus constitutes a facsimile store and forward apparatus together with the communication apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-02-09 | 1996-08-10 | 1997-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-02-09 | 2000-08-10 | 2001-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-02-09 | 2004-08-10 | 2005-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |