Device operable as a TDD and a standard computer keyboard

A device operable as a standard keyboard for a computer and as a telecommunication device for the deaf comprising:

• a housing separate and apart from the computer;
• a computer keyboard mounted in said housing, said keys being actuable to provide keyboard inputs;
• a TDD communication interface for receiving telecommunications for the deaf from and for transmitting telecommunications for the deaf to a telephone line, said interface being mounted in said housing;
• a mode switch actuable to indicate operation in a plurality of keyboard echo modes;
• a controller mounted in said housing and responsive to one or more keyboard inputs and to a mode switch indication of a first mode of operation to control the application of data to said TDD communication interface for transmission of said data as a telecommunication for the deaf, said controller being responsive to a mode switch indication of a second mode of operation to couple keyboard inputs to said computer;
• and
• detecting means mounted in said housing for detecting the receipt of a TDD call regardless of the mode of operation.

A device operable as a standard keyboard for a first computer and a second computer and as a telecommunication device for the deaf comprising:

• a housing separate and apart from said first and second computers;
• a computer keyboard mounted in said housing, said keys being actuable to provide keyboard inputs;
• a TDD communication interface for receiving telecommunications for the deaf from and for transmitting telecommunications for the deaf to a telephone line, said interface being mounted in said housing;
• a mode switch actuable to indicate operation in a plurality of keyboard echo modes;
• a controller mounted in said housing and responsive to one or more keyboard inputs and to a mode switch indication of a first mode of operation to control the application of data to said TDD communication interface for transmission of said data as a telecommunication for the deaf, said controller being responsive to a mode switch indication of a second mode of operation to couple keyboard inputs to said first computer and said controller being responsive to a mode switch indication of a third mode of operation to couple keyboard inputs to said second computer;
• and
• means for bypassing said controller when said controller is inoperative to couple keyboard inputs to one of said first computer and said second computer.