US3673346A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sound reproducing and optical projector function control apparatus
Assignee: OPTISONICS CORP
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Filing: 1970-04-13
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1990-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A sound reproducing apparatus includes a two channel magnetic tape and transducing head with associated circuitry. A first channel records and reproduces sound. A second channel reproduces and records function control information for controlling the function of an optical projector. The second channel may be used to reproduce and record function control information for controlling the magnetic tape drive motor, or other selected functions. Function control information is in the form of pulses at distinctive frequencies.
Inventors
- 👤 Hershel Gordon
- 👤 Charles R Mcadoo Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:55
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B31/00; G03B31/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
286 words
An apparatus for reproducing sound from a sensible medium and controlling a function in an optical projector, comprising: motive means for moving said sensible medium relative to first and second transducers, said sensible medium having at least two channels, first playback means associated with said first transducer and operative during a playback mode to transduce audio information from a first channel of said sensible medium into an electronic sound signal, second playback means associated with said second transducer and also operative during a playback mode for transducing function control pulses from a second channel of said sensible medium into an electronic function control signal, said apparatus containing a programming section, including a signal generator and operative during a recording mode, for selectively recording said function control pulses, via said second transducer, onto said second channel of said sensible medium, characterized in that said programming section comprises: a. timing means for providing a timing signal of a fixed duration upon actuation of said timing means, said signal generator being responsive to said timing signal such that said signal generator provides a function control pulse only in response to and for the duration of said timing signal, whereby the length of each of said function control pulses will be uniform and precisely controlled, and b. erase means for normally supplying an erase signal to said second transducer for erasing information from said second channel of said sensible medium, said erase means being responsive to said timing signal such that said erase means will not supply said erase signal for the duration of said timing signal, whereby said control pulses can be recorded upon and erased from said second channel of said sensible medium with but a single transducer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
286 words
An apparatus for reproducing sound from a sensible medium and controlling a function in an optical projector, comprising: motive means for moving said sensible medium relative to first and second transducers, said sensible medium having at least two channels, first playback means associated with said first transducer and operative during a playback mode to transduce audio information from a first channel of said sensible medium into an electronic sound signal, second playback means associated with said second transducer and also operative during a playback mode for transducing function control pulses from a second channel of said sensible medium into an electronic function control signal, said apparatus containing a programming section, including a signal generator and operative during a recording mode, for selectively recording said function control pulses, via said second transducer, onto said second channel of said sensible medium, characterized in that said programming section comprises: a. timing means for providing a timing signal of a fixed duration upon actuation of said timing means, said signal generator being responsive to said timing signal such that said signal generator provides a function control pulse only in response to and for the duration of said timing signal, whereby the length of each of said function control pulses will be uniform and precisely controlled, and b. erase means for normally supplying an erase signal to said second transducer for erasing information from said second channel of said sensible medium, said erase means being responsive to said timing signal such that said erase means will not supply said erase signal for the duration of said timing signal, whereby said control pulses can be recorded upon and erased from said second channel of said sensible medium with but a single transducer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said timing means comprises a monostable multivibrator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programming section includes two signal generators, each arranged to provide a different frequency signal, and a switch for selectively connecting the output of said timing means to either of said signal generators, whereby function control pulses of two distinctive frequencies and uniform length can be selectively recorded on said sensible medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further including pause means responsive to the signal provided by one of said signal generators for interrupting operation of said motive means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said pause means comprise a frequency detector and a bistable circuit responsive to the output of said frequency detector for changing its state to interrupt said motive means, said apparatus including means for resetting said bistable circuit to restore operation of said motive means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
229 words
An apparatus for reproducing sound from a sensible medium and controlling a function in an optical projector, comprising: motive means for moving said sensible medium relative to first and second transducers, said sensible medium having at least two channels, first playback means associated with said first transducer and operative during a playback mode to transduce audio information from a first channel of said sensible medium into an electronic sound signal, second playback means associated with said second transducer and also operative during a playback mode for transducing function control pulses from a second channel of said sensible medium into an electronic function control signal, said apparatus containing a programming section, including a signal generator and operative during a recording mode, for selectively recording said function control pulses, via said second transducer, onto said second channel of said sensible medium, characterized in that said programming section comprises erase means for normally supplying an erase signal to said second transducer for erasing information from said second channel of said sensible medium, said erase means being responsive to an output of said programming section such that said erase means will not supply said erase signal during the intervals when said programming section provides one of said function control pulses, whereby said control pulses can be recorded upon and erased from said second channel of said sensible medium with but a single transducer.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
229 words
An apparatus for reproducing sound from a sensible medium and controlling a function in an optical projector, comprising: motive means for moving said sensible medium relative to first and second transducers, said sensible medium having at least two channels, first playback means associated with said first transducer and operative during a playback mode to transduce audio information from a first channel of said sensible medium into an electronic sound signal, second playback means associated with said second transducer and also operative during a playback mode for transducing function control pulses from a second channel of said sensible medium into an electronic function control signal, said apparatus containing a programming section, including a signal generator and operative during a recording mode, for selectively recording said function control pulses, via said second transducer, onto said second channel of said sensible medium, characterized in that said programming section comprises erase means for normally supplying an erase signal to said second transducer for erasing information from said second channel of said sensible medium, said erase means being responsive to an output of said programming section such that said erase means will not supply said erase signal during the intervals when said programming section provides one of said function control pulses, whereby said control pulses can be recorded upon and erased from said second channel of said sensible medium with but a single transducer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said programming section also comprises timing means for selectively providing a timing signal of a fixed duration upon actuation of said timing means, said signal generator being responsive to said timing signal such that said signal generator will provide a function control pulse only in response to and for the duration of said timing signal, whereby the length of each of said function control pulses will be uniform and precisely controlled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said programming section includes two signal generators, each arranged to provide a different frequency signal, and a switch for selectively supplying said timing signal to either of said signal generators, whereby function control pulses of two distinctive frequencies and uniform length can be selectively recorded on said second channel of said sensible medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 8 further including pause means responsive to the signal provided by one of said signal generators for interrupting operation of said motive means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said pause means comprises a frequency detector and a bistable circuit responsible to the output of said frequency detector for changing its state to interrupt said motive means, said apparatus including means for resetting said bistable circuit to restore operation of said motive means.
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) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |