Patent US5318340A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5318340A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Conference center
Assignee: Yorkshire Ind Inc
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Filing: 1993-10-25
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Granted: 1994-06-07
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Expires: 2013-10-25
Abstract
Abstract A conference center is provided which includes a circular or polygonal arrangement of seating elements having a center. Each seating element faces outward from the center, and a device is provided for rotating the arrangement about a vertical axis through its center. This conference center provides a setting for group meetings which eliminates many of the distractions involved in face-to-face meetings.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert R. Henry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:38
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C15/00; A47C3/00; A47C3/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A conference center comprising: a) a plurality of seating elements arranged about a vertical central axis, each seating element facing outward with respect to said central axis; b) an audio system comprising a microphone and a speaker associated with each of said seating elements, each microphone communicating with said speakers in the other seating elements; c) a rotatable support structure on which said seating elements are mounted, said support structure being rotatable about said axis; and d) a motor operatively connected to said support structure for rotating said support structure about said axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A conference center comprising: a) a plurality of seating elements arranged about a vertical central axis, each seating element facing outward with respect to said central axis; b) an audio system comprising a microphone and a speaker associated with each of said seating elements, each microphone communicating with said speakers in the other seating elements; c) a rotatable support structure on which said seating elements are mounted, said support structure being rotatable about said axis; and d) a motor operatively connected to said support structure for rotating said support structure about said axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The conference center of claim 1 wherein the audio system further comprises a means for identifying a person seated in each seating element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A conference center of claim 1 having at least 5 seating elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The conference center of claim 1 wherein said seating elements are arranged in a circular arrangement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The conference center of claim 1 wherein said seating elements are arranged in a polygonal arrangement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The conference center of claim 1 wherein each said seating element includes a means for voting disposed on a surface of each said seating element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The conference center of claim 6 wherein each said seating element has an armrest, and each said means for voting is disposed in each said armrest.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The conference center of claim 1 in which each seating element comprises a seat having a back and a headrest, and a wing extending outwardly from said back between each adjacent seating element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The conference center of claim 8 wherein a said speaker is disposed in each of said headrests and a said microphone is disposed in one wing of each seating element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The conference center of claim 8 further comprising a recording apparatus connected to said audio system for recording a meeting held in the conference center.
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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) | 1997-06-06 | 1997-12-06 | 1998-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-06-06 | 2001-12-06 | 2002-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-06-06 | 2005-12-06 | 2006-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |