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Multi-line modem interface

  • US 6,259,775 B1
  • Filed: 09/05/1997
  • Issued: 07/10/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/05/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A multi-line modem interface circuit for selectively providing access to any of a plurality of telephone lines, the interface circuit comprising:

  • a plurality of first inputs each for connecting the interface circuit to a corresponding one of the plurality of telephone lines;

    a second input for connecting the interface circuit to a telephone line connection of a telecommunications device, wherein the number of telephone lines is greater than or equal to the number of telecommunication devices;

    a processor for receiving a request for telephone line access from the telecommunications device;

    a sensing circuit including line status monitors, operatively coupled to the processor, for monitoring a status of the plurality of telephone lines; and

    a control circuit, operatively coupled to the processor, for selectively coupling the telephone line connection of the telecommunications device to a selected one of the plurality of telephone lines in response to an output signal from the processor, wherein the processor receives the request for telephone line access from the telecommunications device and generates an output signal to the control circuit to couple the telecommunications device to the selected telephone line in response to the request and the status of the plurality of telephone lines, wherein the sensing circuit has a variable sensitivity, and wherein when the modem is off-hook the sensing circuit has a low sensitivity and otherwise has a normal sensitivity.

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