Abstract: An on-hook/off-hook status check circuit is disclosed which is connectable between a telephone subscriber loop and a telephone station set. The circuit, upon activation, provides adjunct telephone station equipment with a predetermined sequence of outputs from two opto-isolator circuits, the sequence identifying the on-hook or off-hook status of the telephone set. The circuit may be used with adjunct station equipment in accordance with station set modularity, loop transmission and signaling, and central office traffic engineering objectives.

Abstract: An intercom arrangement in a key telephone system is disclosed that permits the answering of intercom calls "hands-free" at a called station. Intercom calls are originated in the standard manner, with the calling party lifting the handset at a station and selecting an idle intercom line. After the calling party depresses a direct station selection button that corresponds to the called station, a hands-free answer unit located in the called station automatically connects to the proper intercom line and provides an alerting tone to both the calling and called station. The calling party is then able to converse with the called party by alternately activating a loudspeaker and a microphone contained in the called station.