US3798638A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Audio responsive light display
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-02-09
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1992-02-09
Abstract
Abstract Lamp driver circuitry which permits one or more lamps to be driven from a battery for a significantly longer duration of time between battery recharging or replacement than is possible with prior art driver circuits. The circuit employs two transistors in a voltage gain arrangement driving the lamps at a voltage slightly above their nominal rating. Minimum power is drawn by the lamps. The driver circuits advantageously are incorporated in an audio responsive light display wherein several sets of lamps are modulated in response to selected frequency components of an audio signal.
Inventors
- 👤 S Goldschmied
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 02:22
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63J; A63J17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
An audio responsive light display comprising: a dc voltage source, a first set of lamps, a first circuit for supplying power to said first set of lamps from said source in response to a first input signal, a second set of lamps, a second circuit for supplying power to said second set of lamps from said source in response to a second input signal, each of said first and second circuits including a transistor amplifier the gain of which is controlled in response to a gain control bias voltage which is provided in common to both said first and second circuits, means providing an audio signal, filter means for supplying selected frequency portions of said audio signal as said first and second input signals, said sets of lamps thereby lighting in frequency response to said audio signal, and an automatic gain control circuit including a single input line receiving a voltage derived from both of said sets of lamps, and means for providing said gain control bias voltage in inverse proportion to said derived voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
An audio responsive light display comprising: a dc voltage source, a first set of lamps, a first circuit for supplying power to said first set of lamps from said source in response to a first input signal, a second set of lamps, a second circuit for supplying power to said second set of lamps from said source in response to a second input signal, each of said first and second circuits including a transistor amplifier the gain of which is controlled in response to a gain control bias voltage which is provided in common to both said first and second circuits, means providing an audio signal, filter means for supplying selected frequency portions of said audio signal as said first and second input signals, said sets of lamps thereby lighting in frequency response to said audio signal, and an automatic gain control circuit including a single input line receiving a voltage derived from both of said sets of lamps, and means for providing said gain control bias voltage in inverse proportion to said derived voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
A light display according to claim 1 wherein said first and second circuits each comprise; a first transistor receiving a respective input signal and providing voltage gain therefor, a second transistor of the same conductivity type as said first transistor and receiving the output thereof, said gain control bias voltage being applied to the base of said second transistor to control the amount of additional gain provided thereby, and a third transistor connected in a follower-type circuit between said second transistor and said respective set of lamps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
A light display according to claim 2 wherein said first and second transistors are NPN type and wherein said third transistor is a PNP type, said first set of lamps being connected in the collector circuit of said third transistor, said voltage source supplying a positive voltage to the collector of said second transistor via a series-connected pair of resistors, the base of said third transistor being connected to the junction of said pair of resistors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A light display according to claim 3 wherein the collector of said first transistor is connected to said positive voltage source via a third resistor and is connected to the base of said second transistor via a series connected capacitor and fourth resistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
A light display according to claim 3 wherein said automatic gain control circuit input line is connected via a resistor to the junction between each lamp and the associated third transistor supplying power to that lamp, and having an output line supplying said gain control bias voltage via a diode to the base of the second transistor of each lamp supply circuit, the gain control bias voltage on said output line changing inversely in response to the voltage on said input line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
A light display according to claim 1 wherein said voltage source comprises: one or more batteries, a rectifier connectable between an ac source and said batteries, said batteries functioning as said voltage source when said ac source is disconnected, said rectifier providing said voltage source when said ac source is connected, said batteries functioning to regulate voltage from said rectifier.
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) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |