US3768019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote control system
Assignee: Zenith Electronics LLC
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Filing: 1972-02-02
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1992-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A wired remote control system for effecting a plurality of adjustments to a television receiver from a remote location with a minimum number of interconnecting conductors utilizes discrete voltage levels generated within its control head to discriminate between adjustment-functions. A discrete voltage is selected from a voltage divider in the control head for each adjustmentfunction to be performed, and in the receiver a commutator cyclically selects voltages from a second voltage divider until the locally-selected voltage agrees with the remotely-generated voltage, at which time power is supplied through a second ganged commutator switch to an appropriate actuator for performing the desired function. The elements of the two voltage dividers each comprise series-connected diodes, increasing system reliability and obviating the need for costly precision resistors.
Inventors
- 👤 R Podowski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:25
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03J; H03J1/00; H03J1/18; H03J1/185
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
In a control system for a television receiver including utilization means for individually adjusting the operable functions thereof; a remote control head, connected by a cable to the receiver, having a plurality of switching means corresponding, respectively, to said utilization means for controlling said functions over a pair of conductors in said cable; wherein activation of said switching means results in both selection and adjustment to the viewer''s satisfaction of the desired function, comprising: a first voltage divider contained in said control head and having a plurality of series impedance elements for producing a first plurality of discrete voltages, corresponding respectively to said desired functions, in response to activation of said switching means; a second voltage divider contained in said receiver and having a plurality of series impedance elements for producing a second plurality of discrete voltages corresponding respectively to said desired functions; a first commutator switch for cyclically selecting individual voltages produced by said second voltage divider; comparison means for comparing the voltage from said first voltage divider with the voltage from said second voltage divider and for producing a control effect related to the magnitudes of said voltages; commutating means responsive to said control effect for advancing said first commutator switch until the magnitude of said first and second voltages bear a predetermined relationship; and utilization means including selection means coupled to said commutating means for selecting said desired function, and means for performing said desired function during continued activation of said switching means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
246 words
In a control system for a television receiver including utilization means for individually adjusting the operable functions thereof; a remote control head, connected by a cable to the receiver, having a plurality of switching means corresponding, respectively, to said utilization means for controlling said functions over a pair of conductors in said cable; wherein activation of said switching means results in both selection and adjustment to the viewer''s satisfaction of the desired function, comprising: a first voltage divider contained in said control head and having a plurality of series impedance elements for producing a first plurality of discrete voltages, corresponding respectively to said desired functions, in response to activation of said switching means; a second voltage divider contained in said receiver and having a plurality of series impedance elements for producing a second plurality of discrete voltages corresponding respectively to said desired functions; a first commutator switch for cyclically selecting individual voltages produced by said second voltage divider; comparison means for comparing the voltage from said first voltage divider with the voltage from said second voltage divider and for producing a control effect related to the magnitudes of said voltages; commutating means responsive to said control effect for advancing said first commutator switch until the magnitude of said first and second voltages bear a predetermined relationship; and utilization means including selection means coupled to said commutating means for selecting said desired function, and means for performing said desired function during continued activation of said switching means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A control system as described in claim 1 wherein the plurality of series impedance elements in said first and second voltage dividers consists of diodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A control system as described in claim 2 wherein said diodes are silicon diodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A control system as described in claim 1 wherein said selection means in said utilization means includes a second commutator switch advanced by said commutating means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A control system as described in claim 2 wherein said predetermined relationship is met when the magnitudes of said corresponding voltages are equal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A control system as described in claim 5 wherein the connecting cable includes an additional wire for applying a source of voltage to said first voltage divider.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A control system as described in claim 1 including a speaker contained in said control head; and an additional wire in the cable connecting said speaker to said receiver.
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) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |