US3818352A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic television programmer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-01
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Granted: 1974-06-18
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Expires: 1992-05-01
Abstract
Abstract TV channel program comparing on a TV set is automatically performed according to a stored program by a motor which drives the channel selection mechanism, as dictated by the stored schedule of channels versus time. A timer steps through the programparing the scheduled channel with the position of the TV channel selection mechanism, producing a signal which initiates energization of the motor and so provides a null seeking position feedback type of control for carrying out the program. The apparatus has use to select television programs for display or for recording over substantial periods when the television receiver is not attended.
Inventors
- 👤 R Moran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:55
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C23/00; G04C23/14; G04C23/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
302 words
Apparatus for selecting TV channels on a TV set having a channel selection mechanism comprising in combination, motor means for driving the channel selection mechanism of the TV set, means including an electrically controlled motor switch for energizing the motor, programmable means including a plurality of interval terminals and a plurality of TV channel terminals for selecting TV channels at sequential intervals, an electrically energized stepping switch having a plurality of stepping switch output terminals and a stepping switch rotor, each output terminal being connected to an associated one of said interval terminals, a source of first and second polarity dc voltage, a timer switch for coupling the first dc polarity to the stepping switch to energize the switch, said timer switch being preset to close and open at regular intervals when energized, whereby the stepping switch is energized regularly through the timer switch to sequentially move the stepping switch rotor from one of said output terminals to the next, and the said rotor being connected to the second dc polarity, whereby the interval terminals are regularly sequentially energized at the second dc polarity, and a plurality of normally closed channel position switches, one assoicated with each TV channel, one terminal of each position switch being connected to an associated one of the TV channel terminals and the other terminal of each position switch being connected to the motor switch electrical control, means driven by the motor for opening one of said position switches at a time depending on the position of the channel selection mechanism and means for electrically connecting interval terminals with TV channel terminals thereby programming TV channel selection at sequential intervals, whereby in operation, the motor is energized through the motor switch to drive the selection mechanism at the programmed sequential intervals to the programmed TV channel positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
302 words
Apparatus for selecting TV channels on a TV set having a channel selection mechanism comprising in combination, motor means for driving the channel selection mechanism of the TV set, means including an electrically controlled motor switch for energizing the motor, programmable means including a plurality of interval terminals and a plurality of TV channel terminals for selecting TV channels at sequential intervals, an electrically energized stepping switch having a plurality of stepping switch output terminals and a stepping switch rotor, each output terminal being connected to an associated one of said interval terminals, a source of first and second polarity dc voltage, a timer switch for coupling the first dc polarity to the stepping switch to energize the switch, said timer switch being preset to close and open at regular intervals when energized, whereby the stepping switch is energized regularly through the timer switch to sequentially move the stepping switch rotor from one of said output terminals to the next, and the said rotor being connected to the second dc polarity, whereby the interval terminals are regularly sequentially energized at the second dc polarity, and a plurality of normally closed channel position switches, one assoicated with each TV channel, one terminal of each position switch being connected to an associated one of the TV channel terminals and the other terminal of each position switch being connected to the motor switch electrical control, means driven by the motor for opening one of said position switches at a time depending on the position of the channel selection mechanism and means for electrically connecting interval terminals with TV channel terminals thereby programming TV channel selection at sequential intervals, whereby in operation, the motor is energized through the motor switch to drive the selection mechanism at the programmed sequential intervals to the programmed TV channel positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the means for selectively coupling includes removable jumper cables.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the means for selectively coupling includes an array of program switches each for connecting an interval terminal with a channel terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein, the number of program switches in said array are sufficient to connect every interval terminal with every channel terminal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the channel position switches are arranged on a circle at positions thereon which correspond to the positions of channels on the channel selection mechanism, said position switches are manually closed, and said posiTion switches are opened by a cam which is mechanically moved with the selection mechanism, whereby the cam opens the position switch which corresponds to the channel selected by the mechanism.
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) | 1977-06-17 | 1977-12-17 | 1978-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-17 | 1981-12-17 | 1982-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-17 | 1985-12-17 | 1986-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |