US3609241A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic coupler circuit
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1967-06-08
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1987-06-08
Abstract
Abstract An electronic coupler for converting facsimile graphic communication information signals directly applicable to be transmitted over direct distance dialing telephone lines, and vice versa. In the automatic unattended transmit or receive modes, the coupler automatically answers a call made over the direct distance dialing telephone lines and after proper handshaking signals commences the transmitting or printing operation. In the attended mode, switching to transmit or receive provisions can be made upon operator decision of document transmission during a normal telephone conversation with equipment coupled to the coupler and the telephone lines.
Inventors
- 👤 Alton F Riethmeier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:24
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/32; H04N1/327
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
An electronic coupler for coupling a facsimile transceiver means to a transmission line means, said electronic coupler providing an automatic unattended transmit and receive capability for said facsimile transceiver means, comprising line terminator means coupled to said transmission line means for detecting the receipt of a message call from a similar remote facsimile transceiver means, verify logic means coupled to said line terminator means for verifying that said remote facsimile transceiver means is on the line and in the correct operational mode to communicate with said local facsimile transceiver means, answer logic means coupled to said verify logic means for determining the operation mode of said electronic coupler and for generating functional signals in accordance with said operational mode, first detector means for detecting a received signal of a first frequency indicative of the operation of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the transmit mode and the presence and correct operating mode of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the receive mode, second detector means for detecting a received signal of a second frequency indicative of the presence and correct operating mode of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the transmit mode and of the end of a transmitted document respectively, and disconnect logic means coupled to said verify logic means, said answer logic means and said first and second detector means for disconnecting said electronic coupler from said transmission line means upon the predetermined selective occurrence and absence of said first and second frequency signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
246 words
An electronic coupler for coupling a facsimile transceiver means to a transmission line means, said electronic coupler providing an automatic unattended transmit and receive capability for said facsimile transceiver means, comprising line terminator means coupled to said transmission line means for detecting the receipt of a message call from a similar remote facsimile transceiver means, verify logic means coupled to said line terminator means for verifying that said remote facsimile transceiver means is on the line and in the correct operational mode to communicate with said local facsimile transceiver means, answer logic means coupled to said verify logic means for determining the operation mode of said electronic coupler and for generating functional signals in accordance with said operational mode, first detector means for detecting a received signal of a first frequency indicative of the operation of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the transmit mode and the presence and correct operating mode of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the receive mode, second detector means for detecting a received signal of a second frequency indicative of the presence and correct operating mode of said remote facsimile transceiver means in the transmit mode and of the end of a transmitted document respectively, and disconnect logic means coupled to said verify logic means, said answer logic means and said first and second detector means for disconnecting said electronic coupler from said transmission line means upon the predetermined selective occurrence and absence of said first and second frequency signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The electronic coupler as set forth in claim 1, further including transmit amplifier means for amplifying facsimile information to be transmitted to the level compatible with the operation of said transmission line means and impedance matching means for providing amplitude, phase, and harmonic distortion equalization for received facsimile information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
The electronic coupler as set forth in claim 2, wherein said transmission line means is a common carrier telephone line with telephone means at both ends thereon, and wherein said line terminator means further includes ring detector means coupled to said telephone line for detecting the presence of ring current on said line, switch means coupled to said answer logic means for switching said telephone line from said telephone means to said electronic coupler, line-holding circuit means coupled to said verify logic circuit means for holding said telephone line at said electronic coupler upon verification of said remote facsimile transceiver means, said line-holding circuit returning said telephone line to said telephone means upon receipt of a disconnect condition and external manual control, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
The electronic coupler as set forth in claim 3, further including auto-switch means coupled to said answer logic means for placing said electronic coupler in the automatic operation mode, data-switch means coupled to said answer logic means for placing said electronic coupler in the manual operation mode, and talk-switch means coupled to said answer logic means for placing said electronic coupler in the talk operation mode, thereupon said electronic coupler being removed from the automatic mode and data modes respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
135 words
An electronic coupler for automatically coupling an unattended facsimile system means to a transmission line means, comprising first means coupled to said transmission line means for detecting the receipt of an incoming message call, second means coupled to said first means for vErifying that said message call was initiated by a similar facsimile system means in an operational mode compatible with said facsimile system means, third means for detecting a received signal of a first frequency from said similar facsimile system means, fourth means for detecting a received signal of a second frequency from said similar facsimile system means, and fifth means coupled to said first, second, third, and fourth means for disconnecting said electronic coupler from said transmission line means upon the predetermined selective occurrence and absence of said first and second frequency signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
135 words
An electronic coupler for automatically coupling an unattended facsimile system means to a transmission line means, comprising first means coupled to said transmission line means for detecting the receipt of an incoming message call, second means coupled to said first means for vErifying that said message call was initiated by a similar facsimile system means in an operational mode compatible with said facsimile system means, third means for detecting a received signal of a first frequency from said similar facsimile system means, fourth means for detecting a received signal of a second frequency from said similar facsimile system means, and fifth means coupled to said first, second, third, and fourth means for disconnecting said electronic coupler from said transmission line means upon the predetermined selective occurrence and absence of said first and second frequency signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
100 words
The electronic coupler as set forth in claim 5 further including sixth means coupled to said second means for determining the operational mode of said facsimile system means, and wherein said received first frequency signal is indicative of the operation of said similar facsimile system means in the transmit mode and the presence and compatible operating mode of said similar facsimile means in the receive mode, and wherein said received second frequency signal is indicative of the presence and compatible operating mode of said similar facsimile system means in the transmit mode and of the end of a transmitted document.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The electronic coupler as set forth in claim 6, further including seventh means for amplifying facsimile information to be transmitted to a level compatible with operation of said transmission line means, and eighth means for providing impedance matching and equalization for received facsimile information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The coupler set forth in claim 6, wherein said first means includes means for disabling said electronic coupler upon detection that said unattended facsimile system is unable to effectively transmit or receive said facsimile information over said transmission line means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |