US4566033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Television viewing time regulator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-08-11
•
Granted: 1986-01-21
•
Expires: 2003-08-11
Abstract
Abstract A small regulator unit including a solid state timer activated by a reed switch is installed between a television receiver and a convenient wall outlet. The unit has a passageway adjacent to the reed switch for the reception of magnetic tokens which act on the reed switch, in turn activating the timer and completing a circuit through the television receiver. After a predetermined time period, the television receiver is turned off automatically so that viewing time can be controlled.
Inventors
- 👤 Linda L. Reidenouer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 05:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/12; G06Q20/127; G07; G07F; G07F15/00; G07F15/12; G07F17/00; G07F17/0014; H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/162; H04N7/163; H04N7/164
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A television viewing time regulator unit including a receptacle adapted to receive a plug of a television receiver power cable and further including another power cable adapted to be plugged into a conventional household power outlet, a regulated power supply on the regulator unit connected with said another power cable, a timer circuit means on the regulator unit including a magnetically operated activating switch and means to enable the delivery of operating power through the first-named receptacle to the television receiver for a predetermined period of time regulated by the timer circuit means, and the regulator unit having a receiving passage adjacent to the magnetically operated activating switch for a token of magnetic material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A television viewing time regulator unit including a receptacle adapted to receive a plug of a television receiver power cable and further including another power cable adapted to be plugged into a conventional household power outlet, a regulated power supply on the regulator unit connected with said another power cable, a timer circuit means on the regulator unit including a magnetically operated activating switch and means to enable the delivery of operating power through the first-named receptacle to the television receiver for a predetermined period of time regulated by the timer circuit means, and the regulator unit having a receiving passage adjacent to the magnetically operated activating switch for a token of magnetic material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A television viewing time regulator unit as defined in claim 1, and said activating switch comprising a magnetic reed switch fixed at one side of a substantially vertical chute having the receiving passage for the token.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A television viewing time regulator unit as defined in claim 2, and the unit including a housing which encloses all of its components except said power cables, and said chute opening through one wall of said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A television viewing time regulator unit as defined in claim 3, and the housing including an access cover provided with a locking means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
A television viewing time regulator unit as defined in claim 1, and said means to enable the delivery of operating power through the first-named receptacle to the television receiver including a transistor coupled to said timer circuit means and a pair of triacs coupled in parallel to said first-named receptacle, said transistor being rendered operable by said timer circuit means to trigger said triacs into conduction and thereby complete a power delivery circuit to said first-named receptacle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
A television viewing time regulator unit as defined in claim 1, and said timer circuit means comprising a timer chip having a connection with the magnetically operated activating switch, and said means to enable the delivery of operating power through the first-named receptacle to the television receiver comprising a transistor having a connection with said timer chip and a triac means coupled between the transistor and the first-named receptacle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
99 words
A television viewing time regulator unit adapted to be interposed between a television receiver and an outlet for 115 volt 60 Hz. power, said unit having within a regulated power supply connected with said outlet, a timer within the unit, a magnetically operated timer activating switch on the unit responding to the deposit of a magnetic token into the unit, and means electrically interconnecting the timer and a television receiver requiring regulation by the timer and including means enabling the delivery of operating power to the television receiver for a predetermined operating time interval under control of the timer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
99 words
A television viewing time regulator unit adapted to be interposed between a television receiver and an outlet for 115 volt 60 Hz. power, said unit having within a regulated power supply connected with said outlet, a timer within the unit, a magnetically operated timer activating switch on the unit responding to the deposit of a magnetic token into the unit, and means electrically interconnecting the timer and a television receiver requiring regulation by the timer and including means enabling the delivery of operating power to the television receiver for a predetermined operating time interval under control of the timer.
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) | 1989-01-20 | 1989-07-22 | 1990-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-01-20 | 1993-07-22 | 1994-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-01-20 | 1997-07-22 | 1998-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |