US3971919A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable billing system
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1975-02-07
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Granted: 1976-07-27
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Expires: 1995-02-07
Abstract
Abstract A programmable billing meter system includes a first meter for recording the total copies produced by a copying machine, a second meter for recording copies made up to a first break point and a third meter for recording copies made from a first break point to a second break point. A programmable network receives copy count data from a series of binary counter, and controls the entry of the count into the appropriate meter the network being capable of being rapidly and conveniently programmed so that the break points can be easily changed if desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis J. Fantozzi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 05:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M3/00; G06M3/02; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/02; G06F; G06F7/00; G06F7/60; G06F7/62; G06M7/00; G06M7/02; G06M7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A programmable billing meter system for use in a copying machine including: a counter arranged to receive a copy count pulse each time the machine produces a copy, and to store the copy count information, the counter including a series of flip-flops, a plurality of billing meters, and programmable means electrically interposed between the counter and the billing meters for enabling and disabling the meters upon the occurrences of predetermined copy counts whereby copy count information is entered into the billing meters in programmed order, the programmable means including a first connector for sensing the O state of each flip-flop in the counter array, a second connector for sensing the 1 state of each flip-flop in the counter array, a third connector having outputs which are gated to the billing meters, repositionable electrical leads between the outputs of the first and second connectors and the inputs of the third connector capable of being arranged in a programmed manner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A programmable billing meter system for use in a copying machine including: a counter arranged to receive a copy count pulse each time the machine produces a copy, and to store the copy count information, the counter including a series of flip-flops, a plurality of billing meters, and programmable means electrically interposed between the counter and the billing meters for enabling and disabling the meters upon the occurrences of predetermined copy counts whereby copy count information is entered into the billing meters in programmed order, the programmable means including a first connector for sensing the O state of each flip-flop in the counter array, a second connector for sensing the 1 state of each flip-flop in the counter array, a third connector having outputs which are gated to the billing meters, repositionable electrical leads between the outputs of the first and second connectors and the inputs of the third connector capable of being arranged in a programmed manner.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3358570A
Cited
US3453418A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-27 | 1980-01-26 | 1980-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-27 | 1984-01-26 | 1984-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-27 | 1988-01-26 | 1988-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |