US3643294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for controlling a plurality of light sources
Assignee: BHP Inc
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Filing: 1970-08-10
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Granted: 1972-02-22
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Expires: 1990-08-10
Abstract
Abstract Three variable, addable factors are controlled simultaneously from a single manual setting of the apparatus to produce a resultant having a constant characteristic.
Inventors
- 👤 James F Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H19/00; H01H19/54; H01H19/56; H01H19/58; H04; H04N; H04N9/00; H04N9/64; H04N9/73
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus particularly adapted for controlling at least one light source comprising: a support member of nonconductive material displaying two relatively continuous surfaces and adapted for movement along a substantially fixed path; a plurality of conductors positioned upon said support member, said conductors being continuous linear conductors formed into equiangular figures of different sizes and concentrically located; a plurality of electrically conductive contacts each of which is positioned to contact one of said conductors so as to complete a circuit between said conductors and said electrically conductive contacts, each of said contacts being related to a different side of said equiangular figure; and means for varying the relative position between said support member and said contacts to selectively complete the circuit between said conductors and said electrically conductive contacts thereby controlling the operation of the light source.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus particularly adapted for controlling at least one light source comprising: a support member of nonconductive material displaying two relatively continuous surfaces and adapted for movement along a substantially fixed path; a plurality of conductors positioned upon said support member, said conductors being continuous linear conductors formed into equiangular figures of different sizes and concentrically located; a plurality of electrically conductive contacts each of which is positioned to contact one of said conductors so as to complete a circuit between said conductors and said electrically conductive contacts, each of said contacts being related to a different side of said equiangular figure; and means for varying the relative position between said support member and said contacts to selectively complete the circuit between said conductors and said electrically conductive contacts thereby controlling the operation of the light source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of said conductors are of similar shape but different size and arranged in nested position upon said support member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for varying the relative position between said support member and said contact engages support member for imparting movement to said member relative to said electrically conductive contact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of said conductors is disposed on each of the surfaces of said support member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 4 particularly adapted for controlling a plurality of light sources further comprising a plurality of said electrically conductive contacts wherein at least one electrically conductive contact corresponding to a selected light source is carried on each surface of said support member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said support member is a substantially flat plate and bias means supporting said plate with respect to said electrically conductive conTacts for movement in a fixed plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for varying the relative position between said support member and said contact is manually operable and comprises a joy stick suitable for grasping by the human hand, and a switch mounted upon said joy stick.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said switch serves to selectively connect at least two of said electrically conductive contacts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1, which further includes reversible stepping motors operatively connected to the light source and a generator so that upon engagement of said contact with said conductors said motors are actuated by said generator in a predetermined direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 9, which further includes a switch for directly connecting said motors with said generator so as to produce uniform motor actuation of the light source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said switch is a single pole double throw center-off switch with the movable member connected to said generator, and a plurality of steering diodes connecting the fixed members of said switch with said motors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 11, comprising at least one color valve connected to each of said motors whereby upon actuation of said varying means the hue of said color valves varies with relatively constant brightness and upon activation of said switch the brightness varies while maintaining relatively constant hue.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-21 | 1975-08-23 | 1976-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-21 | 1979-08-23 | 1980-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-21 | 1983-08-23 | 1984-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |