US3826871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for preference testing
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-02-05
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Granted: 1974-07-30
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Expires: 1993-02-05
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for investigating and recording a testee''s interest in one of a plurality of audio and/or visual presentations wherein each presentation is generated by a separate source connected to one of a plurality of communication lines that also connects to one output of a multiple output power source. each output of the power source is at a different voltage level such that each communication line has a distinct voltage applied thereto from the power source. A scrambling switch randomly interconnects the communication lines with a like number of output lines such that the presentations appear on each of the output lines in a random pattern. A testee selects a particular preference by actuating a push-button that couples his selection to an audio and/or visual display. A plurality of time recorders, one for each output line and individually responsive to one voltage level from the power source, records the amount of time a particular presentation is coupled to the display.
Inventors
- 👤 D Kraemer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:30
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A system for evaluating the preference of randomly presented audio and/or visual wave signals, comprising in combination: a plurality of information sources each providing distinctive wave signals, a power source having output means equal in number to the number of information sources, each of said output means providing a different voltage potential, scrambling means for randomly interconnecting the individual output means to a plurality of output lines, a plurality of recorder means equal in number to the number of information sources and each recorder is identified with one of said information sources, and selection means connected to the output lines and responsive to the different voltage potentials of said output means for randomly interconnecting an information source to an audio and/or visual display and for actuating its associated recorder means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
A system for evaluating the preference of randomly presented audio and/or visual wave signals, comprising in combination: a plurality of information sources each providing distinctive wave signals, a power source having output means equal in number to the number of information sources, each of said output means providing a different voltage potential, scrambling means for randomly interconnecting the individual output means to a plurality of output lines, a plurality of recorder means equal in number to the number of information sources and each recorder is identified with one of said information sources, and selection means connected to the output lines and responsive to the different voltage potentials of said output means for randomly interconnecting an information source to an audio and/or visual display and for actuating its associated recorder means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each output means of said power source includes means for generating a voltage potential at the respective output different from the voltage potential of all other output means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means for generating includes a unidirectional electrical element for establishing a desired voltage potential at the output thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selection means includes a plurality of push-button switches interconnected in a manner such that the closing of one switch opens all others.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selection means includes switching means equal in number to the number of information sources and responsive to a selected output means, and a recorder means is actuated by the closing of the respective switching means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as set forth in claim 5 including means for interconnecting said switching means to render inoperative all switching means responsive to a lower voltage potential as generated at said power source than a closed switching means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said switching means includes a voltage threshold detector for selectively operating said switching means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selection means includes: a plurality of selection switches equal in number to the plurality of information sources for randomly connecting one of said output lines to a common line, and SWITCHING means individually connected to the common line and selectively responsive to one of said output means to interconnect a randomly selected information source to the audio and/or visual display and for actuating its associated recorder means.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for evaluating the preference of randomly presented audio programs, comprising in combination: a plurality of audio sources each providing a distinctive program, a power source having output means equal in number to the number of audio sources, each of said output means providing a different voltage potential, scrambling means for randomly interconnecting the individual output means to a plurality of output lines, a plurality of time recorders equal in number to the number of audio sources and each recorder is identified with one of said sources, a plurality of selection switches equal in number to the plurality of audio sources for randomly connecting one of said output lines to a common line, and a plurality of switching means connected to the common line and selectively responsive to one of said output means to interconnect a randomly selected audio source to an audio transmitting means and for actuating its associated time recorders.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for evaluating the preference of randomly presented audio programs, comprising in combination: a plurality of audio sources each providing a distinctive program, a power source having output means equal in number to the number of audio sources, each of said output means providing a different voltage potential, scrambling means for randomly interconnecting the individual output means to a plurality of output lines, a plurality of time recorders equal in number to the number of audio sources and each recorder is identified with one of said sources, a plurality of selection switches equal in number to the plurality of audio sources for randomly connecting one of said output lines to a common line, and a plurality of switching means connected to the common line and selectively responsive to one of said output means to interconnect a randomly selected audio source to an audio transmitting means and for actuating its associated time recorders.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 including means for interconnecting said switching means to render inoperative all switching means responsive to a lower voltage potential as generated at said power source than a closed switching means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said switching means each includes a voltage threshold detector for selectively operating said switching means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein each output means of said power source includes a unidirectional electrical element for establishing a desired voltage at the respective output.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said scrambling means includes an indicator for signaling the position of said scrambling means in a selected scrambling order.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 including means for monitoring the audio program selected by said selection means to be applied to the audio transmitter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of said recorders comprises a timer for recording the length of time a particular information source is connected to the audio transmitting means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2957046A
Cited
US3502813A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-29 | 1978-01-28 | 1978-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-29 | 1982-01-28 | 1982-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-29 | 1986-01-28 | 1986-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |