Abstract: A voice messaging system is implemented using a PCMCIA card or other type of card, and a host call processing device such as a PBX switch. The card includes a processor operative to implement various voice messaging system functions, and a memory for storing voice data used in the voice messaging system. The host call processing device has a socket adapted to receive the card. The card receives voice data from the host call processing device for storage in the memory, and delivers voice data retrieved from the memory to the host call processing device. The voice data is communicated between the card and the host over a custom serial bus which includes a time-division multiplexed voice data line divided into a plurality of time slots, each of the time slots providing a distinct voice data channel at a designated bit rate.

Abstract: A telephone system with a caller ID logging feature includes a plurality of telephone stations which share a plurality of telephone lines connected to the telephone system. Each one of the plural telephone lines is associated with one or more of the telephone stations. A control processor (CPU) monitors the incoming calls on the telephone lines connected to the telephone system, and also receives caller ID information from the Central Office of the telephone service provider. For unanswered incoming calls and answered calls which are to be stored, the CPU stores the associated caller ID information in a memory as a caller ID record including data indicating the telephone lines on which the incoming call was received. The stored caller ID records for each telephone line are accessible from telephone stations that are associated with that telephone line. Therefore, only one record is required which all users may access, thereby increasing the efficiency of the memory over prior art systems.

Abstract: A selective ring response device for a telecommunication line comprises: a ring tone detector circuit for detecting a special ring tone different from a standard ring tone, the ring tone detector circuit coupled to the communication line; an interface circuit capable of placing the communication line in an off-hook status and capable of selectively applying a switch hook flash signal to the communication line, the interface circuit coupled to the communication line; and a control circuit coupled to the ring tone detector circuit and the interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit places the communication line in the off-hook status, and at the user's request applies the flash hook signal to the communication line in response to the ring tone detector circuit detecting the special ring tone.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus provides a user with paper vendor order information when a substantially out-of-paper condition is detected. The facsimile apparatus provides the user with various vendor paper ordering information, including a telephone number, via a display, a printer, or a speaker of the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus enables the user to manually call or autodial the paper vendor using preprogrammed numbers. The facsimile apparatus enables the user to send to the paper vendor a prestored data or facsimile message, or a fax of a paper order form outputted by the facsimile apparatus and filled-in by the user.

Abstract: A facsmile machine determines the status of a received or a transmitted facsimile message and, in response thereto, dials a specified telephone number and outputs a status message to notify a user of the status of the received or transmitted facsimile message. Another feature outputs a status message to indicate a predetermined condition at the facsimile machine. The status message may include an audio message to a data message. Another feature uses information detected in the control portion of the facsimile message to identify which of a plurality of predefined facsimile machine users is to be notified of the receipt of the facsimile message. In one embodiment, the detected information includes the identity of the location that transmitted the facsimile message.