Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving analog voice and digital data signals to and from a telephone line or telephone lines to one or more users, in the same session. The apparatus has a telephony apparatus for transmitting or receiving the voice signals and a modem for transmitting or receiving the data signal. A switch is interposed between the telephone line and the modem and the telephony apparatus. The switch can be placed in a first position or in a second position. In the first position, the telephone apparatus is connected to the telephone lines and transmits and receives voice signals. In addition, the modem is connected to receive data carrier signals that precede digital data signals and follow the digital data signals to and from the medium. A control circuit comprising a microprocessor, controls the switch such that it can be switched automatically between the first position and the second position. The microprocessor changes the switch from the first position to the second position when the apparatus transmits digital data signals or receives the carrier signal indicating that digital data signals will be received by the apparatus. Upon termination of the transmission of the digital data signals from the apparatus or upon termination of the reception of digital data signals, the microprocessor automatically switches the switch back to the first position whereby voice communication can be continued.

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First Claim