US3868638A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal light-photo sensitive probe control system
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
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Filing: 1973-07-12
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1993-07-12
Abstract
Abstract Light sources, e.g., light emitting diodes (LED) are located on a control panel, e.g., a graphic control panel, so that each light source represents a remote element and indicates whether the element is on or off or in one position or another. The LEDs are pulsed in sequence and sensed with a photo cell pen to actuate the remote element represented by the LED which is sensed by the pen. The pulsing is accomplished by a sweep-type activating (or deactivating) circuit and the time measured from the beginning of each sweep at which each LED is energized (or de-energized) identifies the particular LED.
Inventors
- 👤 Irvin D Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:51
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02B; H02B15/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
In a remote control system for operating various elements located some distance away from a control panel, the improvement comprising in combination a. a control circuit means for controlling each of said elements, b. a light source corresponding to each of said elements to be controlled, said light source being switched on by said control means when said element is in a first status and switched off when said element is in a second status, c. a light sensitive probe adapted for being placed in proximity with any of said light sources, d. an electrical system which successively sweeps each of said light sources in synchronization with a distinctive period of time measured from the beginning of each sweep, whereby the time as measured from the start of each sweep, at which said light probe receives a signal from one of said light sources is indicative of which of said light sources is then being energized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
In a remote control system for operating various elements located some distance away from a control panel, the improvement comprising in combination a. a control circuit means for controlling each of said elements, b. a light source corresponding to each of said elements to be controlled, said light source being switched on by said control means when said element is in a first status and switched off when said element is in a second status, c. a light sensitive probe adapted for being placed in proximity with any of said light sources, d. an electrical system which successively sweeps each of said light sources in synchronization with a distinctive period of time measured from the beginning of each sweep, whereby the time as measured from the start of each sweep, at which said light probe receives a signal from one of said light sources is indicative of which of said light sources is then being energized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system according to claim 1 which additionally comprises: (d) Means for actuating the element corresponding to each of said light source, said means being responsive to said light probe receiving light from said light source at the time, measured from the start of each sweep, characteristic of that particular light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A remote control system according to claim 1 in which said light sources are light emitting diodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A remote control system according to claim 2 in which said light sources are light emitting diodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said light sensitive probe is responsive to the position of a function switch which can be set for the status desired for the particular element to be controlled by placing said light sensitive probe in proximity with a particular one of said light sources.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said electrical system successively sweeps said light sources in a manner such that said light sources flash at a rate which is indicative of the status of the corresponding element to be controlled.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
89 words
A system according to claim 2 wherein said means for actuating the element corresponding to each of said light sources comprises a control circuit comprising in combination Nand gates so arranged that a particular light source will be illuminated on each sweep of said electrical sysTem when and only when the following Boolean equation is satisfied: LED n((n1) + (A.B+D) 3 + B.1 + A.(0+2)) Wherein n-1 and n are inputs from said electrical system, and A and B are status indications received from said element to be controlled.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said light sensitive probe comprises circuitry having provision for pulse delay and shaping.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said electrical system which successively sweeps said light sources to energize or de-energize each said light sources at a destinctive period of time comprises in combination a binary counter, an operational amplifier and suitable NOR gates.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said light sources are set in a schematic diagram indicative of the interrelationship or relative positioning of the elements to be controlled.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3686505A
Cited
US3760373A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |