Multi-handset telephone system
View Patent ↗A multi-handset telephone system includes is a first-base that includes circuitry for communicating with an external telephone line, a ringer for signaling when an incoming call is received, and a cradle for holding a single handset, a first handset, and a handset connection port. A second base has a cradle and a second handset. The interconnection is a flexible hardwired connection, and there is a switch associated with the second base. A port communicates the signal from the incoming call, and an outlet splits the telephone signal from the line into a plurality of handset cords. A first handset is connected with a first handset cord and a second handset is connected with a second handset cord of the plurality of handset cords. The corresponding plurality of handset cords permits a plurality of users in close proximity to speak on the plurality of handsets in a face-to-face situation with a third party. The telephone system is a digital and the second base does not have a ringer. Persons to speak different languages to communicate face-to-face through use of remote interpretation services.
1. A multi-handset telephone system for permitting at least two users to converse face-to face with a third party comprising:
a first telephone base that receives a digital signal through an external telephone line, converts the digital signal into an analog signal, and transmits the analog signal, the first telephone base having a ringer that indicates when an incoming call is received, a first handset, a first cradle to position the first handset, and a handset connection port;
a second telephone base that receives the analog signal from the first telephone base through a non-rigid physical and electrical connection, the second telephone base having a second cradle, a second handset, and an outlet that splits the analog signal into a first handset cord that connects to the first handset and a second handset cord that connects to the second handset such that a first user speaks on the first handset and the second user speaks on the second handset; and
a multi-position switch configured to modify, prior to transmission from the first telephone base to the second telephone base, the analog signal based on a detection of a predetermined type of amplification circuitry in the second telephone base.
2. The multi-handset telephone system of claim 1 wherein the multi-position switch is operably connected to the first telephone base.
3. The multi-handset telephone system of claim 1 wherein the multi-position switch is operably connected to the second telephone base.
4. The multi-handset telephone system of claim 1 wherein the second telephone base does not have a ringer.
5. A method comprising:
receiving, at a first telephone base, a digital signal through an external telephone line, the first telephone base having a ringer that indicates when an incoming call is received, a first handset, a first cradle to position the first handset, and a handset connection port;
converting, at the first telephone base, the digital signal into an analog signal;
transmitting, from the first telephone base, the analog signal;
receiving, at a second telephone base, the analog signal from the first telephone base through a non-rigid physical and electrical connection, the second telephone base having a second cradle, a second handset, and an outlet that splits the analog signal into a first handset cord that connects to the first handset and a second handset cord that connects to the second handset such that a first user speaks on the first handset and the second user speaks on the second handset; and
modifying, prior to transmission from the first telephone base to the second telephone base, the analog signal with a multi-position switch based on a detection of a predetermined type of amplification circuitry in the second telephone base.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the multi-position switch is operably connected to the first telephone base.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the multi-position switch is operably connected to the second telephone base.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the second telephone base does not have a ringer.