Selena Irene Dilley

US Patent:

60058471, Dec 21, 1999

Filed:

Jul 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/888761

Inventors:

Leroy E. Gilbert - Wellington FL
William J. Beyda - Cupertino CA
Selena Dilley - San Jose CA
Shmuel Shaffer - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Siemens Information and Communications Network, Inc. - Boca Raton FL

International Classification:

H04L 1266
H04M 342

US Classification:

370264

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating multiple data communications with a first platform (100, 102, and 104) using a single communication conduit (108) having first and second channels. First data are transmitted between the first platform and a second platform (114) via the first and second channels (202). It is determined whether an incoming call comprises second data of a particular type (206). Where the incoming call comprises the second data of the particular type (208), transmission of the first data via the second channel is inhibited (226) thereby enabling reception of the second data by the first platform via the second channel while the first data continue to be transmitted via the first channel. The second data are then received at the first platform via the second channel (230). Transmission of the first data via the first and second channels is resumed in response to termination of transmission of the second data (266).