Patent ID: 6438214
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of operating an answering system for a communication device, said answering system including an automatic answering system, said answering system connected to a telephone switching system through signal transferring lines, comprising:selectively activating said automatic answering system; generating calling signals from said telephone switching system; said automatic answering system providing a predetermined voltage to said signal transferring lines to indicate that the automatic answering system is operational while preventing an indication of said calling signal being connected, said predetermined voltage being supplied after a certain time has elapsed after said calling signal has been generated and continuing for a predetermined time; supplying a first and a second voltage different from said predetermined voltage to said signal transferring lines when said automatic answering system is not operational and also after said predetermined voltage is no longer supplied when the automatic answering system is operational, said first and second voltages being indicative of an on-hook situation and an off-hook situation; and activating said automatic answering system and completing a calling signal when said calling signal continues after the predetermined voltage ceases to be supplied to said signal transferring lines.