US5195061A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Practice timer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-04-12
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Granted: 1993-03-16
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Expires: 2011-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A timer for measuring time spent productively in an activity, with a minimum of interference with the activity, which includes a sensor and a delay circuit. The delay circuit compensates for productive time spent in an intermittent activity which may not result in the production of energy to which the sensor is responsive, as often occurs, for instance, during the practice of performing arts. Sensors preferably are responsive to energy which can be conducted through the atmosphere, such as sound and visible light. The timer may be fabricated as a free-standing unit, included within an electronic metronome or functionally combined with a variety of equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 Erin M. Curtis
- 👤 Marshall M. Curtis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:17
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C1/00; G07C1/10; G04; G04F; G04F10/00; G04F8/00; G04F8/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An activity timer for accumulating elapsed productive time spent engaged in the activity including a sensor means, including means for sensing variation in atmosphere-carried energy, for sensing a result of said activity, a time base means for producing periodic signals, an accumulator means for accumulating said periodic signals from said time base means, a switch means responsive to said sensor means, including a delay means, for interrupting transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods delimited by a predetermined output of said sensor means and a predetermined delay period after another predetermined output of said sensor means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An activity timer for accumulating elapsed productive time spent engaged in the activity including a sensor means, including means for sensing variation in atmosphere-carried energy, for sensing a result of said activity, a time base means for producing periodic signals, an accumulator means for accumulating said periodic signals from said time base means, a switch means responsive to said sensor means, including a delay means, for interrupting transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods delimited by a predetermined output of said sensor means and a predetermined delay period after another predetermined output of said sensor means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor means includes a microphone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor means includes a motion sensor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor means includes a switch for disabling one or more sensors connected thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said delay means includes an adjustable delay circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor means includes a means for interrupting transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods when said sensor means may sense a condition not arising from said activity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch means interrupts said transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods of sensing a condition arising from said activity and a predetermined time delay thereafter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
An activity timer as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch means interrupts said transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means other than during periods of sensing a condition arising from said activity and a predetermined time delay thereafter.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
66 words
A method of measuring time duration of productive effort during an activity including the steps of sensing a predetermined form of energy produced by said productive effort of said activity, establishing a predetermined time period during which productive effort will not produce said predetermined form of energy, and accumulating elapsed time during the sum of a duration of said sensing step and said predetermined time period.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
66 words
A method of measuring time duration of productive effort during an activity including the steps of sensing a predetermined form of energy produced by said productive effort of said activity, establishing a predetermined time period during which productive effort will not produce said predetermined form of energy, and accumulating elapsed time during the sum of a duration of said sensing step and said predetermined time period.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
99 words
In combination with an electronic metronome, a timer including a sensor means, including means for sensing variation in atmosphere-carried energy, for sensing a result of said activity, a time base means for producing periodic signals, an accumulator means for accumulating said periodic signals from said time base means, a switch means responsive to said sensor means, including a delay means, for interrupting transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods delimited by a predetermined output of said sensor means and a predetermined delay period after another predetermined output of said sensor means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
99 words
In combination with an electronic metronome, a timer including a sensor means, including means for sensing variation in atmosphere-carried energy, for sensing a result of said activity, a time base means for producing periodic signals, an accumulator means for accumulating said periodic signals from said time base means, a switch means responsive to said sensor means, including a delay means, for interrupting transmission of said periodic signals from said time base to said accumulator means during periods delimited by a predetermined output of said sensor means and a predetermined delay period after another predetermined output of said sensor 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) | 1996-03-15 | 1996-09-14 | 1997-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-15 | 2000-09-14 | 2001-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-15 | 2004-09-14 | 2005-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |