US4226191A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remotely controlled roller platform for use in a visual aid system
Assignee: University of Miami
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Filing: 1979-02-26
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Granted: 1980-10-07
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Expires: 1999-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A remotely controlled tri-level roller platform assembly including a base portion, an intermediate portion and a top support portion. The intermediate portion is reciprocally operable in a first linear plane, atop and independently of the base member, by means of a first reversible electric motor, with the top support portion disposed thereatop for movement therewith. The top support portion is reciprocally operable in a second linear plane, independent of the intermediate portion, at right angles to the first plane, by means of a second reversible electric motor. Remote control electric switches are provided for the first and second motors whereby the motors may be selectively operated for universal planar positioning of any desired point within a predetermined area of the top surface of the top support portion relative to the lens of a single camera in a visual aid system, including a TV monitor.
Inventors
- 👤 Guillermo A. Espana
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:23
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16M; F16M13/00; F16M11/00; F16M11/02; F16M11/04; F16M11/043; F16M11/048; F16M11/18; F16M11/20; F16M11/2085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
329 words
A platform, for supporting various types of reading materials, for use in a visual aid system including a conventional type of camera for transmitting enlarged images of said printed material to a TV monitor, comprising, a tri-level platform including a generally rectangular flat plate base, intermediate and top portions including a top surface to support the reading material relative to the camera; first and second trolley means to respectively connect said intermediate portion to said base portion for reciprocating, longitudinal movement relative thereto, and said top portion to said intermediate portion for longitudinal movement therewith and reciprocating transverse movement relative thereto, said first trolley means comprising a pair of channel members, fixed respectively along front and rear longitudinal top edge portions of said base portion, and a pair of trolley rollers in a predetermined spaced apart relation engaged in each of said channels and suspended from confronting longitudinal bottom edge portions of said intermediate portion; said second trolley means comprising a second pair of channel members, fixed respectively along a pair of opposed transverse top edge portions of said intermediate portion, and a second pair of trolley rollers in a predetermined spaced apart relation, engaged in each of said transverse edge channels, suspended from respective confronting transverse edge portions of said top portion; a first reversibly electric gear motor, mounted to said base portion and including a pinion gear in driving engagement with a first gear rack, extending longitudinally along an underside of said intermediate portion to transmit relative longitudinal movement to said intermediate portion; a second reversible electric gear motor mounted to said base portion, and including a pinion gear in driving engagement with a second gear rack extending transversely along an underside of said top portion to transmit relative transverse movement to said top portion, said second gear rack being of a longitudinal width so as to accomodate said longitudinal movement of said intermediate portion; remote control means operably connected to said first and second gear motors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
329 words
A platform, for supporting various types of reading materials, for use in a visual aid system including a conventional type of camera for transmitting enlarged images of said printed material to a TV monitor, comprising, a tri-level platform including a generally rectangular flat plate base, intermediate and top portions including a top surface to support the reading material relative to the camera; first and second trolley means to respectively connect said intermediate portion to said base portion for reciprocating, longitudinal movement relative thereto, and said top portion to said intermediate portion for longitudinal movement therewith and reciprocating transverse movement relative thereto, said first trolley means comprising a pair of channel members, fixed respectively along front and rear longitudinal top edge portions of said base portion, and a pair of trolley rollers in a predetermined spaced apart relation engaged in each of said channels and suspended from confronting longitudinal bottom edge portions of said intermediate portion; said second trolley means comprising a second pair of channel members, fixed respectively along a pair of opposed transverse top edge portions of said intermediate portion, and a second pair of trolley rollers in a predetermined spaced apart relation, engaged in each of said transverse edge channels, suspended from respective confronting transverse edge portions of said top portion; a first reversibly electric gear motor, mounted to said base portion and including a pinion gear in driving engagement with a first gear rack, extending longitudinally along an underside of said intermediate portion to transmit relative longitudinal movement to said intermediate portion; a second reversible electric gear motor mounted to said base portion, and including a pinion gear in driving engagement with a second gear rack extending transversely along an underside of said top portion to transmit relative transverse movement to said top portion, said second gear rack being of a longitudinal width so as to accomodate said longitudinal movement of said intermediate portion; remote control means operably connected to said first and second gear motors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The platform as defined in claim 1 wherein said remote control means comprises a switch box containing first and second pairs of reversing switches, respectively connected to said first and second reversible electric gear motors by means of electric leads connecting from an electric supply source to said pairs of switches and from said pairs of switches to the reversible gear motors through a flexible conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The platform as defined in claim 1 including a longitudinal slot through said intermediate portion in a position to provide clearance for said second gear motor and its pinion gear, along the length of longitudinal travel of said intermediate portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The platform as defined in claim 1 including a plurality of support legs, fixed to and extending downwardly from a bottom side of said base portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The platform as defined in claim 1 including a hole through said base portion to accommodate the mounting of said first reversible electric gear motor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-07 | 1984-04-07 | 1984-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-07 | 1988-04-07 | 1988-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-07 | 1992-04-07 | 1992-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |