Abstract: An attendant console for use with an electronic private automatic branch exchange (EPABX) includes a jack for removably connecting an attendant headset or handset to the console. A switch array in the console provides indications of attendant control action and logic circuitry connected to the switch array registers the indications. Gates are connected in series with the switch array for preventing registration of the indications in response to the attendant set being disconnected, such that control actions as may be indicated at the switch array while the attendant is away from the console are of no consequence.

Abstract: A hands free answer feature is provided in a key telephone system which includes an intercom lead pair for providing intercommunication between key telephone station sets and a signalling path for providing audible signals via a loudspeaker circuit in the key telephone station sets. The hands free intercom feature is provided by the addition of a hybrid circuit including first and second unidirectional signal paths for coupling a.c. signals between the intercom lead pair and the signalling lead. A d.c. control signal having first and second d.c. signal states is generated on the signalling lead in response to a ratio of amplitudes of signals in the first and second signal paths being greater or lesser than a predetermined ratio. The loudspeaker circuits each include a receive signal path connected to a loudspeaker. A transmit path and path switching circuitry are added to the loudspeaker circuit. The path switching circuitry is responsive to the first and second states of the d.c.