Abstract: A heat dissipation structure includes a housing configured to receive a heat generating device. The housing includes a first air inlet, a first air outlet, and an alloy heat dissipation device disposed in the housing and including heat dissipation fins disposed in parallel. A heat dissipation air channel is formed between two adjacent heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation air channel includes a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second air outlet being connected with the first air outlet. The heat dissipation structure further includes a heat dissipation fan configured to provide a heat dissipation air flow to an inside space of the housing. The heat dissipation fan is disposed inside the housing, and includes a third air inlet and a third air outlet. The third air inlet is connected with the first air inlet and the third air outlet is connected with the second air inlet.

Abstract: A portable system for enhancing communication between at least two users in proximity to each other includes first and second noise-reducing headsets, each headset including an electroacoustic transducer for providing sound to a respective user's ear and a voice microphone for detecting sound of the respective user's voice and providing a microphone input signal. A first electronic device integral to the first headset and in communication with the second headset generates a first side-tone signal based on the microphone input signal from the first headset, generates a first voice output signal based on the microphone input signal from the first headset, combines the first side-tone signal with a first far-end voice signal associated with the second headset to generate a first combined output signal, and provides the first combined output signal to the first headset for output by the first headset's electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: A secure audio peripheral device, coupled to a computer, capable of enabling a user to use audio devices such as a microphone, speakers or headset when the device is in operational state, while giving to the user a clear visual indication that the audio devices are enabled. The device simultaneously disables the microphone; and turns off the visual indication when the device is in secure state. The operational state is activated by the user by pressing a momentary push-button switch. A timer resets the device to a secure state after a short preset time. The device has anti-tempering functionality and becomes permanently disabled if tempered with. Optionally the device is coupled to the computer via a USB port that powers a USB CODEC chip and a LED used as the visual indicator.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of managing a real-time communication initiated to a mobile communications device. A communication from an originating communications device is sensed as being directed to a first destination address corresponding to a mobile communications device. Location information of the mobile communications device is determined. The communication is directed to a second destination address based on the determined location of the mobile communications device.

Abstract: Communications over a network are selectively routed to one of multiple mobile devices identified by the same mobile device number. In one example, a method includes identifying a first mobile phone associated with a first activation priority by a phone number and identifying a second mobile phone associated with a second activation priority by the same phone number. The activation priority indicates a priority with which the first and the second mobile phones are activated for communications on a network. Communications associated with the phone number are selectively routed to one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having a highest activation priority. The phone number defines an address at which the communications are routed to the one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having the highest activation priority without being routed to an intervening address defined by another device number.

Abstract: Communications over a network are selectively routed to one of multiple mobile devices identified by the same mobile device number. In one example, a method includes identifying a first mobile phone associated with a first activation priority by a phone number and identifying a second mobile phone associated with a second activation priority by the same phone number. The activation priority indicates a priority with which the first and the second mobile phones are activated for communications on a network. Communications associated with the phone number are selectively routed to one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having a highest activation priority. The phone number defines an address at which the communications are routed to the one of the first mobile phone or the second mobile phone having the highest activation priority without being routed to an intervening address defined by another device number.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for enhanced extension mobility includes accessing user input indicating either a desire of a user to logon at an endpoint in a private mode according to which the endpoint supports only an extension of the user or a desire of the user to logon at the endpoint in a shared mode according to which the endpoint concurrently supports an extension of the user and one or more other extensions of one or more other users. The method includes configuring the endpoint to support only an extension of the user if the user input indicates a desire of the user to logon at the endpoint in a private mode according to which the endpoint supports only an extension of the user.

Abstract: A plurality of displaced paging systems can be controlled from a common paging facility via a computer network such as the Internet. Real-time streaming audio can be transmitted, via the network to one or more identified facilities and/or zones and broadcast thereinto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for providing features to the user of a telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) that is connected to a central unit (CU) whereby, if said telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) is currently not interconnected via the central unit (CU), said telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) notifies the central unit (CU) at least about certain kinds of user activities, in case of such notification the central unit (CU) checks whether it is currently interconnected to another telephone assigned to the same subscriber as said notifying telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) and in case of the existence of such interconnection, the notifying telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) is interconnected in parallel to this interconnection, and if said notifying telephone (HSA1, . . . HSAn, HSS1, . . . HSSm) is not a telephone for digital communication, the other telephone is a telephone for digital communication.

Abstract: An example master telephone set constituting a telephone control system includes a status setting unit, a status discrimination unit, an incoming-call detection unit, a notification unit, and a master-set control unit for controlling the operations of the respective units. When, in a state in which the incoming-call detection unit has detected a new incoming call signal from any other line, the status discrimination unit discriminates that one line is in a call holding status, the master-set control unit controls the notification unit so that the pertinent incoming call is notified by, at least, tone information. On the other hand, when the status discrimination unit discriminates, in the same state, that one line is in an on-call status, the master-set control unit controls the notification unit so that the pertinent incoming call is notified by, at least, visible information.

Abstract: The present invention is an expandable multi-zone paging and signaling system. In particular, the present invention is an apparatus and method for a paging controller wherein a user can program a response to a non-audio input signal in accordance with a set of prioritized inputs to a telephone interface device. The activity status of the set of prioritized inputs of the selected telephone interface device are combined using a logical OR function. By performing the logical OR function of the activity status of various telephone interface device inputs, the non-audio output signal can be customized to provide useful interactions with other outboard equipment.

Abstract: Providing multiple line functionality using alternative network telephony is disclosed. A local telephone installation comprises a first local telephone equipment associated with a first local node, a second telephone equipment associated with a second local node, and local telephone wiring connected to the first and second local nodes. The local telephone installation is associated for purposes of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) with a single telephone line. A request from a calling party to establish a connection with the local telephone installation is received at a third local node. It is determined whether the calling party desires to establish a connection to (1) a first telephone extension associated with the first local node or (2) a second telephone extension associated with the second local node. A connection is established from the third local node to the desired extension over the local telephone wiring in a manner that does not affect the other extension.

Abstract: A method of establishing a cooperative ad hoc network of phone extensions is implemented by the cellular devices within the ad hoc network. First, a first cellular device receiving an incoming call or placing an outgoing call is designated as the master of the ad hoc network and the remaining cellular devices are designated as slaves of the ad hoc network. Second, each cellular device is operated to facilitate a multi-party connection to the incoming call or outgoing call, the multi-party connection including the master and one or more slaves.

Abstract: A comprehensive method for coordinating cellular phones in a residential area to obviate the need for wired residential service. The present invention includes coordinating a set of wireless devices in a residential area to be able to receive a call directed to a user's cellular telephone. Said wireless devices can have different numbers and be serviced by different providers than the user's cellular telephone. Peer-to-peer relationships are formed between associated wireless communications devices, similar to IEEE 802.11 peer-to-peer relationships. A call could also be answered by another cellular telephone, or other device, such as a computer. All communicating handsets of associated wireless communications devices could join the call. The present invention would prevent a user from missing any incoming calls while at the user's residence.

Abstract: A plurality of displaced paging systems can be controlled from a common paging facility via a computer network such as the Internet. Real-time streaming audio can be transmitted, via the network to one or more identified facilities and/or zones and broadcast thereinto.

Abstract: In a highway expansion apparatus for a key telephone system and an operation method thereof, by connecting a MPB (main process board) of a master system with a system LMU (ink module unit) of an expansion system through a cable and generating a highway to be provided from the MPB to the expansion system, a highway of the key telephone system can be expanded.

Abstract: A controller selectively connecting and disconnecting extensions from a telephone line includes a plurality of extension connector ports selectively connected to a communication device and a plurality of relay switches. Each relay switch has three terminals and a toggle movable between connecting the first and second terminals and connecting the first and third terminals. Each first terminal is connected to a respective extension connector port. A processor is connected to an outside telephone line. Entry of a predetermined command code prevents use of the communication device connected to selective toggles. A plurality of tone detector modules each generate a command signal controlling the processor to connect a respective extension to the outside telephone line. A plurality of tone location identifiers are each activated upon receipt of a control signal from the respective tone detector module for generating a unique signal by which the processor distinguishes the extension connector ports.

Abstract: Providing multiple line functionality using alternative network telephony is disclosed. A local telephone installation comprises a first and second telephone equipment (associated with a first and second local node, respectively), and local telephone wiring connected to the first and second local nodes. The local telephone installation is associated for purposes of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) with a single telephone line. A request from a calling party to establish a connection with the local telephone installation is received at a third local node. It is determined whether the calling party desires to establish a connection to (1) a first telephone extension or (2) a second telephone extension associated with the first or the second local node, respectively. A connection is established from the third local node to the desired extension over the local telephone wiring in a manner that does not affect the other extension.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to call a resident of collective housing even when the apartment number of the resident is unknown. A collective housing entrance substation is connected to residential master stations through a controller, and a name retrieval module is connected to the controller. The name retrieval module has a memory in which a name and/or apartment number of a resident is registered in advance, a button operable to display the name and/or apartment number of the resident registered in advance, a name indicator for display of the name and/or apartment number of the resident registered in advance, and a call button that is operated with display of the proper name and/or apartment number to call the residential master station of the resident.

Abstract: A parallel-connected dialing signal detection and transmission-inhibiting device is disclosed which detects dual-tone multi-frequency dialing signals across tip and ring conductors of a telephone link and switches in an a.c. load that attenuates the dialing signals by at least 30 dB. This prevents action in response to the DTMF signals by a central office servicing the telephone link, thereby allowing commands-data to be transmitted within the home telephone wiring. Such commands can be used to invoke a speed/auto dialing function, to provide an intercom, to control appliances, etc. To allow fast response, the controller charges a capacitor of the a.c. load by connecting it across the tip and ring conductors in response to an off-hook condition. Then it is disconnected to allow a dial tone to reach a user at the telephone. Further transparency is provided by the fact that a single interfacing capacitor connects both the dialing signal detector and a tone generator to the tip line.

Abstract: A master telephone set constituting a telephone control system includes status setting unit, status discrimination unit, incoming-call detection unit and notification unit, and master-set control unit for controlling the operations of the respective unit. When, in a state where the incoming-call detection unit has detected a new incoming call signal from any other line, it has been discriminated by the status discrimination unit that one line is in a talk holding status, the master-set control unit controls the notification unit so that the pertinent incoming call is notified by, at least, tone information. On the other hand, when it has been discriminated by the status discrimination unit in the same state that one line is in a talking status, the master-set control unit controls the notification unit so that the pertinent incoming call is notified by, at least, visible information.

Abstract: An intercom system for a building or apartment house includes at least one main entrance station 1 which is installed at an entrance or the like of a building or an apartment house, a plurality of residential master stations 2 which are respectively installed inside a plurality of residences in the building or apartment house for receiving calls and talking with the main entrance station 1, a common line 3 which connects the main entrance station 1 and respective residential master stations 2 in parallel, a line power supply 4 which supplies direct current power, for example, DC 24 V to the main entrance station 1 and respective residential master stations 2 through the common line 3, an electronic door lock 5 which is connected to the main entrance station 1 for locking and releasing an entrance door of a main entrance, and a plurality of call switches 6 connected to respective residential master stations 2 and mounted on front doors of respective residences for operation by a visitor.

Abstract: A Group Page process is implemented by which a variable audio source may be dynamically allocated circuit switch channels for broadcasting to a group of devices. The process is implemented via message exchanges between a Group Page Manager which accesses a data structure relating to the grouped devices, and a Paging Party Call Process associated with the party desirous of broadcasting an audio page.

Abstract: An improved system and method for retrofitting telecommunications infrastructures of existing buildings with new telecommunications services. The present invention allows new telecommunications services to be provided over existing telephone lines with reduce cost. The present invention also includes an improved system and method for providing a plurality of telephone connections and data traffic over a single communications channel. The present invention also provides improved telephony line interface module and telephony device embodiments which effectively implement line card functionality in the telephony line interface module and/or telephony device, respectively.

Abstract: A Network Interface Unit (38, 38′, 38″) routes incoming calls to, and outgoing calls from, a plurality of telephone sets (12-22) at a subscriber premises (24). The Network Interface Unit continuously monitors for incoming calls and the availability of telephone sets. Upon receipt of a call, the Network Interface Unit determines which telephone sets are idle and applies a distinctive ring to each idle telephone set o identify the telephone line or equivalent on which the call was received. Once a telephone set goes off hook, the Network Interface Unit routes the call to that set and releases the remaining telephone sets for subsequent calls. When a subscriber initiates an outgoing telephone call, the Network Interface Unit detects the call and routes it on an idle outgoing telephone line or equivalent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling a telephone switch to indicate the presence of a telephone of a pre-defined type on a subscriber loop. A subscriber loop is sensed to detect whether or not a telephone of a pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop. A first acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop and off-hook and a second acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is not off-hook.

Abstract: A circuit for permitting communication between stations of a local area network connected to a central office wherein interference such as the dial tone from the central office is eliminated during station to station communication. The modem of a first station has a data processor which analyzes a number dialed at the first station. When the number is intended for a second station who is a network member, the central station is disconnected from the first station and line current is supplied by a current generator local to the first station. The signal is transmitted from the first to the second station by capacitive coupling. A telephone pickup is made at the second station and when the incoming call is from the first station, then line current to the second station is received from a current generator local to the second station and not from the central station thereby eliminating dial tone.

Abstract: A network interface device that allows a user to simultaneously receive/send a plurality of calls from/to a telecommunications network by multiplexing/demultiplexing the calls on a single telephone line. The network interface device allows for the provisioning of an extra line on demand to the user for incoming and outgoing purposes. The network interface device further selectively connects the calls with a plurality of devices in accordance with each devices availability and the stored preferences of the party receiving the call. When a call ends, the network interface device terminates the temporary virtual line assignment.

Abstract: A cordless telephone base station 1 for connection to a telecommunications network 7 has means (11) for handling incoming calls according to the presence or absence of the handsets (3a, 3b) as detected by responses to paging signals transmitted by the base station.

Abstract: A call controlling apparatus for receiving input signals each including a phone number through respective communication channels and making a call. The apparatus provides a plurality of telephones corresponding respectively to the channels and a storage storing respective phone numbers of the telephones; detects the phone number in the input signals; determines in which input signals the phone number is detected; selects the phone number based on the determining; compares the selected phone number with those stored in the storage and makes the call on the corresponding telephone depending on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A pager system connectable to the existing telephone wiring for activation through the normal residential DTMF telephone instruments, the system including a plurality of pager devices, each connected to the phone line between the tip and ring wires, and each pager including an identification circuit to allow it be individually addressed by a person using the phone, whether or not connection has been made through the central office. For use of the system, the keypad of the telephone instrument is used to enter a sequence of characters (e.g., symbols as well as numbers), which comprise an activation sequence. The DTMF activation sequence includes three parts: a header, a pager address (pager identification PID) and a signal identification (SID). The header portion is a sequence which is not used by the central office as part of its available services. The header portion is a system enabling signal that distinguishes the pager system from central office sequences.

Abstract: A telephone device 100, integrated with a telephone or as a telephone add-on device, improves receipt and processing of network information such as Caller ID from conventional telephone networks. A comparator 103 decodes incoming Frequency Shifted Keying (FSK) signals by transforming transform the FSK signal into a square wave signal with corresponding periodic pulse widths. The transformed signal is sent to a microcontroller 105. The microcontroller is preprogrammed to further decode the transformed signal to obtain digital data representative of Caller ID information. Multiple devices connected to the same telephone line 410 may receive off-hook Caller ID simultaneously by selective disablement of an acknowledgment tone transmission through use of a switch 440. Configurable function keys 471 on a user interface 430 controls other network services, such as voice mail, regardless of different command code formats utilized by various network service providers.

Abstract: An integrated computer-telephone system includes a personal computer and a plurality of telephone sets. Each of the telephone sets is coupled to multiple telephone lines via respective adapters. By activating a line button on an adapter, a respective telephone will be connected to a selected line to answer or place a call on the selected line. The integrated computer-telephone system enables the multiple telephone line access by using existing standard telephone sets in a house hold. The integrated computer-telephone system is able to control the access to the multiple telephone lines according to their operational status and to preventing the telephone sets at other extensions from being connected to a telephone line when a call is in progress on the telephone line.

Abstract: A plurality of subscribers in a telecommunications network are divided into affinity groups. Subscribers in a particular affinity group have a common interest which is different from that of subscribers in other affinity groups. That interest may a common cultural heritage, a common language preference, a common vocational or avocational interest, or the like. Each respective affinity group has associated with it a customized set of call processing characteristics, such as a distinctive dial tone, a distinctive subscriber language preference, and/or an abbreviated dialing list of other subscribers in the group. In addition, each respective affinity group can have a special broadcast message sent to the some or all of the subscribers in the group.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method that determine the identity of the callee of an incoming telephone call. A distinctive ring is selected by one or more of the users of the telephone prior to activating the feature or at a later time. Information about the individual distinctive ring signals is stored in memory inside the telephone. When an incoming call is received from an external party, the telephone determines which one of the users is the callee of the telephone call. A distinctive ring signal is then generated corresponding to the identified callee of the incoming telephone call. The distinctive ring signal identifies the callee of the incoming telephone call to the telephone users. In order to identify the callee of the incoming telephone call, the telephone system, after answering the incoming telephone call, inquires the caller for the identity of the callee. In another embodiment, a callee is identified using voice recognition techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing passenger selection of meals, beverages, entertainment, and amenity requests from a passenger seat. Additionally, it provides a method and apparatus for providing information to passengers relating to the aircraft flight and position, and information relating to passenger's connecting flights. Such requests and selections are transmitted to a central computer which maintains inventory, and prints passenger requests organized by seat location. The system supervises passenger games, such that a passenger may play a game against the computer, or any combination of passengers can elect to play among themselves. Additionally, while not in active use by a passenger, the system provides for the display of advertising materials on the passenger seat display.

Abstract: A communication charge management system includes one or more master telephone sets serving as managing telephone sets, one or more slave telephone sets serving as telephone sets managed by the master telephone sets, and a charge informing unit. The charge informing unit informs the master telephone set of the communication charge in communication of the slave telephone set.

Abstract: A semi-automatic or a fully automatic intercom system. These intercom systems are hardwired intercom systems which cannot be used with telephone lines. The semi-automatic intercom system can be used with any kind of lobby panel including a lobby panel equipped with a keypad and an electronics board. The fully automatic intercom system according to the invention can be used only with a lobby panel equipped with a keypad and an electronics board. The fully automatic system can automatically disconnect a shorted out apartment unit from the system and restore the building to service immediately.

Abstract: A distributed processing telephone system for providing "plug-and-play" capability. In particular, a key telephone system comprises a plurality of telephone sets. Each telephone set is coupled to a least one common communications channel, or telephone line, and includes at least one tunable RF modem. There is no key service unit (KSU). That is, the system is KSU-less. Resources of the telephone system are allocated using a peer-to-peer protocol. For example, as each telephone set is newly added to the system, the new telephone set adaptively determines its own allocation of resources, e.g., intercom numbers, etc. During operation, each telephone set requests the appropriate resources from its peers.

Abstract: A switching system for inclusion in domestic premises includes a master socket for connection to network termination equipment (e.g., wall socket) and for connection to a plurality of slave sockets each of which may be connected to normal communications apparatus such as telephone, fax or answering machines not shown. On receipt of an incoming telephone call from the network the master socket uses signals which identify the source of the call (calling line identity (CLI)) signals to determine which of the slaves is to be called. Using only four wires (i.e., the normal extension wiring pattern) the master socket can signal individual slave sockets to switch in or out of circuit so that a normal domestic telephony arrangement may be simply and economically converted to include switching.

Abstract: An improved telephone switching arrangement in which all of the telephones (i.e.; audio terminals) are in a normally off hook state. The user desiring to place a call need not take the telephone off hook or change the electrical state of the connection between the telephone switching equipment and the audio terminal. In a preferred embodiment, the called party's telephone number to be dialed is transmitted from a personal computer to the telephone switching equipment.

Abstract: An integrated communications control device integrates the telecommunications environment of a small office with an interface to the telephone network. The device is a stand alone unit including a programmable control processor configured by a user based on the telephonic equipment within the office and the user's needs. The device is utilized to control telephone and data communications within the office. The device interfaces with a computer allowing the user to configure the system and create a customized telephonic environment using the personal computer. Alternatively, the device may be integrated into the PC with a plug-in card. Standard telephone interfaces are provided for interfacing to telephonic equipment such as telephones, modems and facsimile machines. Additionally, an ISDN interface allows the device to interface with and communicate over the ISDN, thereby providing a gateway to the PSTN. A display provides users with current operational status of the system.

Abstract: Duplicate optical fibers connect between a base station controller and a radio base station for each route. The duplicate optical fiber is connected to each of the radio base stations for each route through a star coupler. The radio base stations are arranged in each of areas so that the radio base stations for different routes are arranged adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an intercom function on a telephone, without the need for an external power supply, having DTMF or pulse capabilities including an intercom operation device arranged for connection to a DTMF or pulse telephone line and to a DTMF or pulse telephone instrument. The apparatus includes a device for sensing an extension selection dual input from the DTMF or pulse telephone instrument and transmitting a corresponding extension address signal over the DTMF or pulse telephone line. Also included is an apparatus for sensing a received extension address signal from the telephone line, determining whether it corresponds to the telephone instrument to which the intercom operation apparatus is connected and, upon determination of correspondence, providing an extension selection ring output.

Abstract: In connecting a first digital key telephone to a second digital key telephone in a digital key telephone system, an additional connection module provides data transmission for a call between the first digital key telephone and the second digital key telephone. Synchronizing signal terminals and a B clock terminal of a transmitter of the connection module are connected to a transmitter of the first digital key telephone. Data transmission and receiving terminals, a D clock terminal and an input/output control port of a microprocessor of the first digital key telephone are also connected to the transmitter of the connection module. A transformer is connected to the second digital key telephone through a transmission line. The transformer is connected to transmission input and output terminals of the transmitter of the connection module through capacitors and diodes.

Abstract: A paging system controller is accessible from a plurality of input devices, such as an attendant's position, a telephone interface, telephone night bell, programmable switch devices and digital data communications devices, and is user-programmable to respond to signalling activity sourced from such accessing devices to establish a paging connection to and perform prescribed audio/visual output paging signal functions with respect to one or a plurality of paging zones served by the system. The output paging signal functions include the transmission of audio tone and voice paging signals via an audio signal path from a paging source to one or more controllably energized paging loudspeaker amplifiers, the generation of one or more alert tones to a paging zone, talkback audio signalling from the paging zone to a telephone interface, the playback of prerecorded (audio/visual) messages from either or both of audio output (e.g. loudspeaker) and visual output (e.g. silent radio) devices.

Abstract: A telephone system includes a plurality of telephones which do not require the use of a telephone company central switching station and which do not require the use of any other central control station which receives and routes calls made between telephones in the system.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement includes an electronic processor-based master control unit which controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The system includes a telephone interfaced with a door speaker controller to allow communication between the telephone and a door speaker. A page may be broadcast over the speakers and subsequently muted to allow private communication when the page is answered. Also included is a doorbell interface circuit that responds to a doorbell source. The doorbell source may be activated by any one of a plurality of doorbell switches.

Abstract: An improved telephone interface device communicatively couples a local telephone set to an inside telephone wire which, in turn, is communicatively coupled to an outside telephone line from a central office of a telephone service provider. The interface device includes an on-hold switch, a ring detector, a tone decoder, and a coupling switch, all of which are coupled to the bridge via an internal signal line and a control computer. The touch tone decoder receives input tone sequences from the bridge, decodes the tone sequence, and outputs a bit signal to the control computer. The on-hold switch is responsive to a command from the control computer, and is operative to maintain the signal line at a first predetermined voltage. The coupling switch communicatively couples the signal line to a node line. When the node line is coupled to the signal line, a user at the local telephone set may communicate with another user in the home, or with an outside user.

Abstract: A virtual private line key telephone system is provided. The system includes a console including a plurality of line keys each associated with a party that can be reached via a switched trunk line. A look-up table means associates the line keys with the telephone numbers of the associated parties. A communication path is established from the console to one of the trunk lines. Signals are sent to the central office via the selected trunk line corresponding to the telephone number in the look-up table means associated with a line key that is actuated to place a calls. The telephone number of incoming calls are determined and compared with telephone numbers in the look-up table. Thereafter the line keys which are associated with the incoming calls are determined. The incoming call is coupled to the console when a line key associated with the incoming caller is actuated.