US5017794A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for varying the timing of a control signal
Assignee: UNITED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS Corp
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Filing: 1990-02-06
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Granted: 1991-05-21
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Expires: 2010-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for transmitting an identification signal include a triggering device for periodically generating an enabling pulse signal at random times, whereby the periodic generation of the enabling pulse signal varies in each period in proportion to light incident on the triggering device and a transmitter for transmitting an identification signal in response to the enabling pulse signal. It is preferred that the triggering device include a timer for generating the enabling pulse signal in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal and a signal generator for variably generating the control signal within the defined cycle, wherein the signal generator includes a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of the control signal in proportion to light incident on the light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary Linwood
- 👤 Wayne Duncan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/1097; G06K17/00; G06K17/0022; G06K7/10009; G06K7/10019; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/20; G07C9/28; G08; G08B; G08B1/00; G08B1/08; G08B25/00; G08B25/01; G08B25/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
Apparatus for triggering a periodic pulse at random times, comprising: a timer for generating a periodic pulse in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal; and a signal generator for variably generating said control signal within said defined cycle, said signal generator comprising a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of said control signal in proportion to light incident on said light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus for triggering a periodic pulse at random times, comprising: a timer for generating a periodic pulse in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal; and a signal generator for variably generating said control signal within said defined cycle, said signal generator comprising a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of said control signal in proportion to light incident on said light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal generator includes a capacitor and wherein said light sensitive component comprises a photodiode arranged to control the charging of said capacitor so that said control signal is representative of the voltage across said capacitor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for transmitting an identification signal, comprising: a triggering device for periodically generating an enabling pulse signal at random times, so that the generation of said enabling pulse signal varies in time in proportion to light incident on said triggering device for a portion of each period; and a transmitter for transmitting an identification signal in response to receipt of said enabling pulse signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for transmitting an identification signal, comprising: a triggering device for periodically generating an enabling pulse signal at random times, so that the generation of said enabling pulse signal varies in time in proportion to light incident on said triggering device for a portion of each period; and a transmitter for transmitting an identification signal in response to receipt of said enabling pulse signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said triggering device comprises: a timer for generating said enabling pulse signal in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal; and a signal generator for variably generating said control signal within said defined cycle, said signal generator comprising a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of said control signal in proportion to light incident on said light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said transmitter comprises a transmission signal generator for generating a transmission signal in response to said enabling pulse signal and an emitter for converting said transmission signal to an electromagnetic radiation signal and for transmitting said electromagnetic radiation signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said electromagnetic signal is an infra-red signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said transmission signal is representative of a predetermined identification code.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for triggering a periodic pulse at random times, comprising the steps of: generating an enabling pulse in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal; and generating said control signal, within said defined cycle, by providing a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of said control signal in proportion to light incident on said light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for triggering a periodic pulse at random times, comprising the steps of: generating an enabling pulse in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal; and generating said control signal, within said defined cycle, by providing a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of said control signal in proportion to light incident on said light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the generation of said enabling pulse signal.
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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) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-11-19 | 1995-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-20 | 1998-11-19 | 1999-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-20 | 2002-11-19 | 2003-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |