US4706288A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speech synthesizer output device
Assignee: Sharp Corp
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Filing: 1986-03-10
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Granted: 1987-11-10
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Expires: 2006-03-10
Abstract
Abstract Repeated announcements by a talking timepiece are selectable in two modes: predetermined intervals selected by a selector switch, or arbitrary intervals selected by a keyboard.
Inventors
- 👤 Shintaro Hashimoto
- 👤 Akitaka Morita
- 👤 Hiroshi Tsuda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 13:21
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04G; G04G13/00; G10; G10L; G10L13/00; G10L13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A combined timepiece and audible output device comprising: timekeeping means; speech synthesizer output means; first switching means for selecting and setting at least one predetermined time interval for audible announcements by said speech synthesizer output means; keyboard input means for freely selecting and setting any desired time interval for audible announcements by said speech synthesizer output means; control circuit means connected to said timekeeping means, speech synthesizer output means, first switching means and keyboard input means; said control circuit means being automatically responsive to actuation of said first switching means for actuating said speech synthesizer output means to audibly output the time interval set by said first switching means; and selectively actuable announcement switch means connected to said control circuit means for selectively actuating said speech synthesizer output means to audibly output the time interval set by said first switching means or by said keyboard input means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A combined timepiece and audible output device comprising: timekeeping means; speech synthesizer output means; first switching means for selecting and setting at least one predetermined time interval for audible announcements by said speech synthesizer output means; keyboard input means for freely selecting and setting any desired time interval for audible announcements by said speech synthesizer output means; control circuit means connected to said timekeeping means, speech synthesizer output means, first switching means and keyboard input means; said control circuit means being automatically responsive to actuation of said first switching means for actuating said speech synthesizer output means to audibly output the time interval set by said first switching means; and selectively actuable announcement switch means connected to said control circuit means for selectively actuating said speech synthesizer output means to audibly output the time interval set by said first switching means or by said keyboard input means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A timepiece and audible output device according to claim 1 further comprising means for adding a distinguishing message to said audible output of said set interval in response to actuation of said announcement switch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A timepiece and audible output device as in claim 1 wherein said first switching means comprises a selector switch having plural setting positions for selectively setting one of a plurality of predetermined time intervals.
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) | 1990-11-09 | 1991-05-11 | 1991-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-09 | 1995-05-11 | 1995-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-09 | 1999-05-11 | 1999-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |