US3748496A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sound activated controller
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-26
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1991-10-26
Abstract
Abstract According to one preferred embodiment, a controller in accordance with the invention includes a microphone, threshold circuit and high gain amplifier arrangement for selectively converting sound energy into digital signals which after filtering are used to energize a control circuit that provides an enabling signal, of a controlled time duration, to a switching device.
Inventors
- 👤 R Hedin
- 👤 A Balzano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 10:27
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/51; H03K17/56; H03K17/72; H03K17/725
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for activating a load in response to sound energy comprising: a sound to electrical signal transducer for converting sound energy into electrical signals; a threshold circuit for providing output signals when said electrical signals exceed a preselected threshold level; control means responsive to said output signals for providing enabling signals having a controlled time duration; switching means controlled by said enabling signals, for activating said load during the time of occurrence of said enabling signals; said control means includes a high gain amplifier for amplifying said output signals applied thereto; said control means further includes a monostable multivibrator coupled to said amplifier, so as to provide enabling signals of a predetermined duration when triggered by said amplified output signals; and said switching means includes a source of unfiltered fullwave rectified power, and a silicon controlled rectifier coupled in series with said load and said source of rectified power so as to activate said load in response to said enabling signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for activating a load in response to sound energy comprising: a sound to electrical signal transducer for converting sound energy into electrical signals; a threshold circuit for providing output signals when said electrical signals exceed a preselected threshold level; control means responsive to said output signals for providing enabling signals having a controlled time duration; switching means controlled by said enabling signals, for activating said load during the time of occurrence of said enabling signals; said control means includes a high gain amplifier for amplifying said output signals applied thereto; said control means further includes a monostable multivibrator coupled to said amplifier, so as to provide enabling signals of a predetermined duration when triggered by said amplified output signals; and said switching means includes a source of unfiltered fullwave rectified power, and a silicon controlled rectifier coupled in series with said load and said source of rectified power so as to activate said load in response to said enabling signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said monostable multivibrator includes a capacitance element coupled therein such that the charging time of said capacitance element is determinative of the duration of said enabling signal; and said device further includes means for inhibiting the charging of said capacitance element except during a fractional portion of each cycle of said unfiLtered fullwave rectified power.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 2 including means for applying direct current supply voltage to said monostable multivibrator, and wherein said inhibiting means includes means for coupling said silicon controlled rectifier across said direct current supply means; whereby said monostable multivibrator is energized, and hence said capacitance element is allowed to charge, only during said fractional portion of each cycle of said unfiltered fullwave rectified power.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said control means further comprises a lowpass filter coupled between said amplifier and said monostable multivibrator; whereby the response of said control means to high frequency amplified output signals is attenuated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the gain of said amplifier is such as to cause the amplitude of said amplified output signals to be approximately at the saturation level of said amplifier; and said control means includes an integrator circuit for providing enabling signals having a time duration proportional to the duration of the output signals from said threshold circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the gain of said amplifier is such as to cause said amplifier to operate in approximately the non-saturated portion of its operating range; and said control means includes an integrator circuit for providing enabling signals having a time duration proportional to the amplitude and duration of the output signals from said threshold circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said control means includes a flip-flop circuit; and logic means for setting said flip-flop circuit in response to amplified output signals of a first duration, and for resetting said flip-flop circuit in response to amplified output signals of a second duration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said logic means includes means for applying said amplified output signals to a set input terminal of said flip-flop; means for also applying said amplified output signals to an integrator type circuit; and means for coupling said integrator type circuit to a reset input terminal of said flip-flop.
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 |