Patent ID: RE43848

Claim:
An intelligent switching apparatus for use with a remote communication apparatus adapted to receive interrogation from lime time to time with respect to the identification of a user of the apparatus and including means to hold a subscriber identification module within the remote communication apparatus which can provide for that authentication of the user to an external interrogation from time to time, the means to hold a subscriber identification module having electrical contacts for connecting with the subscriber identification module, the intelligent switching apparatus comprising: an intermediary processor connectable to the electrical contacts and adapted to receive interrogation signals from the remote communications apparatus and only in the case that the interrogation signals are appropriate for seeking identification of and from the subscriber identification module, to effect a direction of such incoming inquiry signals to the attached subscriber identification module whereby appropriate identification can be provided in reply, and in the event that the interrogation signals are not appropriate for seeking identification of and from the subscriber identification module, then as appropriate to direct such further interrogation to other memory means, wherein such additional apparatus providing for intelligent switching is joinable to existing electrical equipment as originally provided by a manufacturer by means which do not in substance alter the original equipment.