US3569839A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Program selector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1967-12-18
•
Granted: 1971-03-09
•
Expires: 1987-12-18
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed are apparatus and methods for limiting reception and conversion of television broadcast signals. The apparatus includes clock-driven screening means which selectively interrupt current flowing through control lines, and switches for selectively interconnecting a control device in parallel with the control lines.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert K Dyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:37
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/12; G05B19/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
In a television receiver for receiving plural channels of broadcast television signals and converting said signals to visual representation, apparatus for selectively prohibiting conversion of one or more of said preselected broadcast signal channels for predetermined time periods, the apparatus comprising: a. control means operative to selectively prohibit the conversion of one or more television signal channels by said receiver; b. activating means for selectively operating said control means, said activating means further consisting of a supply line electrically connected with a source of electrical energy and a plurality of control lines, first selector switching means selectively operative to effect an electrical connection between said supply line and selected ones of said control lines, thereby to effect a closed circuit through said selected control lines, a second selector switching means selectively operable to electrically interconnect said control means with any of said control lines such that said control means is energized only when interconnected with a control line which is in electrical connection with said supply line; and c. drive means controlling the selective electrical connection of said first selector switching means as a function of time.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
In a television receiver for receiving plural channels of broadcast television signals and converting said signals to visual representation, apparatus for selectively prohibiting conversion of one or more of said preselected broadcast signal channels for predetermined time periods, the apparatus comprising: a. control means operative to selectively prohibit the conversion of one or more television signal channels by said receiver; b. activating means for selectively operating said control means, said activating means further consisting of a supply line electrically connected with a source of electrical energy and a plurality of control lines, first selector switching means selectively operative to effect an electrical connection between said supply line and selected ones of said control lines, thereby to effect a closed circuit through said selected control lines, a second selector switching means selectively operable to electrically interconnect said control means with any of said control lines such that said control means is energized only when interconnected with a control line which is in electrical connection with said supply line; and c. drive means controlling the selective electrical connection of said first selector switching means as a function of time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said control lines includes parallel-connected indicating means which indicate when the control line is electrically connected with said supply line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first selector switching means comprises: a. a rotatable conductive disc electrically coupled with said supply line; b. a plurality of commutators, each of said commutators electrically connected to one of said control lines and operative to contact said conductive disc; and c. nonconductive screening means operative to interpose said conductive disc and selected commutators at preselected intervals, thereby to interrupt electrical contact between said conductive disc and selected commutators at preselected time intervals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said nonconductive screening means is a paper disc having apertures therein for permitting said commutators to contact said conductive disc through said apertures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first selector switching means comprises: a. a rotatable conductive drum electrically coupled with said supply line; b. a plurality of commutators, each of said commutators electrically connected to one of said control lines and operative to contact said conductive drum; and c. nonconductive screening means operative to interpose said conductive drum and selected commutators at preselected intervals, thereby to interrupt electrical contact between said conductive drum and selected commutators at preselected time intervals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said nonconductive scReening means is a strip of paper having a plurality of apertures therein for permitting said commutators to contact said conductive drum through said apertures when said apertures are in registry with said commutator and said conductive drum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further including an override switch operative to directly couple said control means with said supply line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2367363A
Cited
US2755424A
Cited
US2803075A
Cited
US2852670A
Cited
US3054038A
Cited
US2944245A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-08 | 1974-09-07 | 1975-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-08 | 1978-09-07 | 1979-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-09-07 | 1983-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |