Telephone headset amplifier and method of operation

Claim 1

An amplifier connectable to a telephone system, said telephone system having a means for monitoring when a peripheral device is connected thereto, said monitoring means operating to detect a change in a parameter reflecting current drawn from the telephone system which occurs when the peripheral device is disconnected from the telephone system, said amplifier also being connectable to a telephone headset and including circuit means for amplifying signals passing between the headset and the telephone system, said amplifier further comprising: means for detecting when the headset is disconnected from said amplifier and generating an output signal in response thereto; and activating means operating in response to said output signal and functioning to change said parameter in a manner to emulate the disconnection of the amplifier from the telephone system even though said amplifier remains connected; the amplifier further comprising a current drawing element which draws current from the telephone system; the activating means being operating to change the current drawn from the telephone system by the current drawing element, said activating means further including: a first switched contact connected to a conductor through which the amplifier draws current; a second switch contact connected to the current drawing element; and a control input terminal receiving the output signal.