US3747321A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Time of day clock
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Alpex Inc
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Filing: 1972-04-03
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1992-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A clock that provides visual and electrical output signals that may be used, for example, to record time-controlled operations is shown and described. An endless tape encoded to indicate discrete increments of time through a pattern of translucent and opaque portions is driven continuously and at a uniform rate of speed in order to complete one full revolution in each 24 period. As the coded portions of the tape are drawn in sequence past a photoelectric reader, the electrical output generated in response to specific luminous stimuli is fed through a decoder to operate or record upon an output device which may be one of a number of suitable conventional devices, e.g. a tape recorder, a printer, a record chart, etc.
Inventors
- 👤 N Yudewitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:33
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C17/00; G04C17/0008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus for generating time signals comprising in combination a rotary drive means adapted to produce a rotary output motion which is related to the passage of time, a rotatable and flexible endless web coupled to said drive means, said web having opaque and translucent regions arranged in a coded pattern that each correspond to discrete times, a light source positioned on one side of said web so as to project light through the translucent regions of said web adjacent to said light source, an array of photoelectric cells arranged so that the individual cells of the array are aligned transversely to the direction of web motion to register light from said light soUrce transmitted through said translucent regions of said web and generate an electric signal that corresponds to one of said discrete coded times in response to each of said light signals received, a visual numerical time display synchronized with said encoded web, means for manually adjusting the time indicated by the apparatus to some predetermined standard time, and a housing for substantially excluding stray light from said combination.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus for generating time signals comprising in combination a rotary drive means adapted to produce a rotary output motion which is related to the passage of time, a rotatable and flexible endless web coupled to said drive means, said web having opaque and translucent regions arranged in a coded pattern that each correspond to discrete times, a light source positioned on one side of said web so as to project light through the translucent regions of said web adjacent to said light source, an array of photoelectric cells arranged so that the individual cells of the array are aligned transversely to the direction of web motion to register light from said light soUrce transmitted through said translucent regions of said web and generate an electric signal that corresponds to one of said discrete coded times in response to each of said light signals received, a visual numerical time display synchronized with said encoded web, means for manually adjusting the time indicated by the apparatus to some predetermined standard time, and a housing for substantially excluding stray light from said combination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said translucent regions of said encoded web comprise punched holes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said translucent regions of each of said coded patterns comprises a plurality of continuous bands that commence at the termination of one coded pattern and terminate at the commencement of still another of said coded patterns.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A combination according to claim 1 further comprising signal decoding means responsive to said generated photoelectrical signals for converting said signals into another signal that is related to the numerical value of the time signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination according to claim 4 further comprising a plurality of gate means for applying said photoelectric signals to said decoding means in response to the alignment of one of said coded patterns with said photoelectric cell array.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A combination according to claim 5 further comprising memory means electrically coupled between said plurality of gate means and said decoding means to continue to apply a signal to said decoding means if one of said coded patterns is not aligned with said photoelectric cell array.
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) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |