US5690277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Audible thermostat
Assignee: ACTION TALKING PRODUCTS LLL
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Filing: 1995-02-06
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Granted: 1997-11-25
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Expires: 2015-02-06
Abstract
Abstract This invention is an audible thermostat designed for use by the visually impaired and totally blind. The thermostat has a speaker to indicate the setting of the thermostat or the ambient room temperature. It may also have a visual display working in conjunction with the audible output. The mechanisms to operate the thermostat are large and contain tactile surfaces so the blind may locate the correct mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott W. Flood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:54
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1902; G01; G01D; G01D7/00; G01D7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
An audible thermostat comprising an audible output in conjunction with said thermostat whereby said audible output is a synthesized human voice indicating the setting of the thermostat or the ambient temperature in the proximity of the audible thermostat and an adjustment mechanism which allows a user to adjust the thermostat setting and obtain an audible indication as to the setting as the thermostat setting is being adjusted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
An audible thermostat comprising an audible output in conjunction with said thermostat whereby said audible output is a synthesized human voice indicating the setting of the thermostat or the ambient temperature in the proximity of the audible thermostat and an adjustment mechanism which allows a user to adjust the thermostat setting and obtain an audible indication as to the setting as the thermostat setting is being adjusted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
An audible thermostat as recited in claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a rocker switch situated such that depressing on one end of said rocker switch will increase the temperature setting and depressing on the other end of the rocker switch will decrease the temperature setting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
An audible thermostat comprising an audible output in conjunction with said thermostat whereby said audible output is a tone indicating the setting of the thermostat or the ambient temperature in the proximity of the audible thermostat and an adjustment mechanism which allows a user to adjust the thermostat setting and obtain a tone indication as to the setting as the thermostat setting is being adjusted, said tone being a higher frequency for higher temperature indications and a lower frequency for lower temperature indications.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
An audible thermostat comprising an audible output in conjunction with said thermostat whereby said audible output is a tone indicating the setting of the thermostat or the ambient temperature in the proximity of the audible thermostat and an adjustment mechanism which allows a user to adjust the thermostat setting and obtain a tone indication as to the setting as the thermostat setting is being adjusted, said tone being a higher frequency for higher temperature indications and a lower frequency for lower temperature indications.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
An Audible thermostat as recited in claim 3 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a rocker switch situated such that depressing on one end of said rocker switch will increase the temperature setting and depressing on the other end of the rocker switch will decrease the temperature setting.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 2000-11-24 | 2001-05-26 | 2001-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-24 | 2005-05-26 | 2005-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-24 | 2009-05-26 | 2009-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |