US3688043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Timer circuit of an automatic telephone answering apparatus
Assignee: Pioneer Corp
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Filing: 1970-12-29
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1990-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A timer circuit for controlling the operation of an automatic telephone answering apparatus wherein an incoming message from a calling party is discriminated from continuous signals, such as dial tones, or periodic intermittent signals, such as busy tones. The apparatus is continuously operated to record an incoming message as long as the message is received, and is returned to a stand-by state after the incoming message is completed even if above-mentioned other signals are received from a telephone line.
Inventors
- 👤 Akira Konno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/64; H04M1/65; H04M1/654
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
A timing device for an automatic telephone answering apparatus comprising: a. a timer circuit means for initiating operation of said apparatus upon receipt of a bell signal, and for maintaining the apparatus in an operating state during the time period of the timer circuit means; b. a rectifier circuit means for rectifying a portion of an incoming message signal received by said apparatus during the recording state of said apparatus; c. switching means, coupled to said rectifier circuit means, said switching means being switched ON and OFF in response to the output of said rectifier circuit means; d. time constant circuit means coupled to said switching means said time constant circuit means being returned to the beginning of its time period when said switching means is turned OFF; and e. pulse generating means, coupled to said time constant circuit means, for generating a pulse only when said switching means switches from the OFF state to the ON state after a period of time greater than the period of said time constant circuit means whereby said pulse returns said timer circuit means to the beginning of its time period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
A timing device for an automatic telephone answering apparatus comprising: a. a timer circuit means for initiating operation of said apparatus upon receipt of a bell signal, and for maintaining the apparatus in an operating state during the time period of the timer circuit means; b. a rectifier circuit means for rectifying a portion of an incoming message signal received by said apparatus during the recording state of said apparatus; c. switching means, coupled to said rectifier circuit means, said switching means being switched ON and OFF in response to the output of said rectifier circuit means; d. time constant circuit means coupled to said switching means said time constant circuit means being returned to the beginning of its time period when said switching means is turned OFF; and e. pulse generating means, coupled to said time constant circuit means, for generating a pulse only when said switching means switches from the OFF state to the ON state after a period of time greater than the period of said time constant circuit means whereby said pulse returns said timer circuit means to the beginning of its time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said pulse generating means includes a zener diode coupled to said time constant circuit means such that the zener diode reaches its firing potential when said time constant circuit means completes its time period whereby the firing of said zener diode causes said pulse to be generated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said switching means is a transistor switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said time constant circuit means is an RC circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said timer circuit means comprises an RC circuit and a Schmitt trigger.
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) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |