US4176739A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coin actuated timer with audio output
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-02-10
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Granted: 1979-12-04
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Expires: 1998-02-10
Abstract
Abstract Electro-mechanical apparatus is disclosed which includes a coin actuated timer electronically linked to an audio output to provide an audio output at the end of a pre-determined time period selected by the user and responsive to coins inserted into the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward J. Corcoran, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:36
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
Coin operated timing apparatus comprising, in combination: coin receptor means for receiving a coin; coin identification means for identifying the coin received by the coin receptor means; switch means for selecting a time period in response to the coin received by the coin receptor means and identified by the coin identifying means; timing means for enabling the switch means and for limiting the time in which the switch means may be activated to select the time period; timer means including clock means for counting the selected time period; and output means for producing an output signal at the end of the selected time period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
Coin operated timing apparatus comprising, in combination: coin receptor means for receiving a coin; coin identification means for identifying the coin received by the coin receptor means; switch means for selecting a time period in response to the coin received by the coin receptor means and identified by the coin identifying means; timing means for enabling the switch means and for limiting the time in which the switch means may be activated to select the time period; timer means including clock means for counting the selected time period; and output means for producing an output signal at the end of the selected time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the switch means for selecting a time period comprises a plurality of switches and each switch of the plurality of switches when activated selects a different time period.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the output means includes means for providing an audible signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the timer means includes means for actuating the output means to provide the audible signal at the end of the selected time period.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the timer means further includes means for resetting the timing means at the end of the selected time period to allow the selection of another time period when a coin is identified by the coin identifying means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the coin identifying means comprises a pair of infrared LED optoisolators connected together.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the output means includes means for providing a visual signal for displaying the time remaining in the selected time period.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the timer means further includes means for resetting the clock means at the end of the selected time period.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the coin identification means includes switch means for selecting the number of coins required to enable the timing means.
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) | 1982-12-03 | 1983-06-04 | 1983-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-12-03 | 1987-06-04 | 1987-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-12-03 | 1991-06-04 | 1991-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |