Mark A Myers

US Patent:

57844569, Jul 21, 1998

Filed:

Jun 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/496536

Inventors:

Kevin J. Carey - Evanston IL
Mark Myers - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

CyraCom International, Inc. - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

H04M 100

US Classification:

379419

Abstract:

A single-line multi-handset telephone is disclosed. The telephone includes a base, a plurality of handset cradles, a jack which receives an external telephone line, a multi-port handset connector, and telephone circuitry which connects the jack and the multi-port connector. A plurality of handsets are positionable in the handset cradles, and each handset includes a handset cord connected to the multi-port handset connector. The telephone may include an amplifier and a power cord for supplying additional power to the system so that the multiple handsets and conventional telephone functions do not exceed the power limit allowed by a conventional telephone line. The telephone may also include an interpretation service selection mechanism for automatic dialing of telephone numbers which call a selected language-specific translator. Once an interpreter is called, different language-speaking people can use the multiple handsets to converse with the interpreter. The multi-handset telephone may also be formed from a conventional telephone and a multi-handset adapter.