Patent ID: 6289100
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A communications station for use in a voice communication system having at least one communications line comprising:a handset having a microphone, a speaker and a magnet for providing magnetic flux about said handset; anda base unit connected to said communications line and said handset and operable to receive signals from said microphone for transmission to said communications line and to transmit signals from said communications line to said speaker, said base unit having a handset cradle in which said handset can be placed, a Hall-effect device mounted on a circuit board in said base unit, and a hook switch device connected to said communications line, said circuit board being disposed within said base unit and with respect to said handset cradle to locate said Hall-effect device substantially opposite said magnet when said handset is placed in said handset cradle, said Hall-effect device being operable to generate an output signal when said handset is placed in said handset cradle and said Hall-effect device is proximal to said magnet and affected by said magnetic tlux from said magnet, said hook switch device being operable in response to said output signal to place said communications station on-hook with respect to said communications line;wherein said circuit board and said Hall-effect device are sealed using at least one of a plurality of methods comprising electrostatically applying a coating of a protective material, spraying a coating of a protective material, laminating and placing said circuit board and said Hall-effect device in a contained having seals and interface connectors.