US4835520A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Talking alarm for openable compartment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-04-24
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Granted: 1989-05-30
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Expires: 2007-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A message-generating apparatus for discouraging access to a compartment during predesignated time intervals. The apparatus includes a detector to determine when the compartment door is open and to produce a signal when this event occurs. If the event occurs within a predesignated alarm time interval, a microprocessor produces a reminder signal which activates a speech synthesizer to produce a voice-like audible message. Also disclosed is a display to aid in designating time-of-day, messages, and alarm time intervals.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Aiello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:04
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/24; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/08; F; F25; F25D; F25D2700/00; F25D2700/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
Message-generating apparatus for use in connection with a compartment having an access opening and a closure for the opening, comprising: means for detecting when said closure is moved toward a position allowing access to the compartment and producing a signal upon such occurrence; means for inputting a predetermined time interval; a clock adapted to product an enabling signal when the time of day is within the predetermined time interval; means for receiving the detection signal and the enabling signal, determining simultaneous occurrence thereof, and generating a reminder signal in response thereto; and means for producing a voice-like audible message in response to the reminder signal, wherein the compartment comprises a refrigerator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
Message-generating apparatus for use in connection with a compartment having an access opening and a closure for the opening, comprising: means for detecting when said closure is moved toward a position allowing access to the compartment and producing a signal upon such occurrence; means for inputting a predetermined time interval; a clock adapted to product an enabling signal when the time of day is within the predetermined time interval; means for receiving the detection signal and the enabling signal, determining simultaneous occurrence thereof, and generating a reminder signal in response thereto; and means for producing a voice-like audible message in response to the reminder signal, wherein the compartment comprises a refrigerator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
132 words
A message-generating apparatus for use in connection with a compartment having an access opening and a closure for the opening, comprising: means for detecting when said closure is moved toward a position allowing access to the compartment and producing a signal upon such occurrence; a clock for continuously producing time-of-day signals; a digital memory for storing a predetermined daily time interval; means for continuously comparing the time-of-day signal and the predetermined daily time interval to determine if the time-of-day falls within the predetermined interval, an enabling signal being produced in response to said falling within condition; means for receiving the detection signal and the enabling signal, determining simultaneously occurrence thereof, and generating a reminder signal in response thereto; and means for producing a voice-like audible message in response to the reminder signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
A message-generating apparatus for use in connection with a compartment having an access opening and a closure for the opening, comprising: means for detecting when said closure is moved toward a position allowing access to the compartment and producing a signal upon such occurrence; a clock for continuously producing time-of-day signals; a digital memory for storing a predetermined daily time interval; means for continuously comparing the time-of-day signal and the predetermined daily time interval to determine if the time-of-day falls within the predetermined interval, an enabling signal being produced in response to said falling within condition; means for receiving the detection signal and the enabling signal, determining simultaneously occurrence thereof, and generating a reminder signal in response thereto; and means for producing a voice-like audible message in response to the reminder signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the receiving, determining, and generating means comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the compartment comprises a refrigerator.
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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) | 1992-05-29 | 1992-11-28 | 1993-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-29 | 1996-11-28 | 1997-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-11-28 | 2001-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |