Patents Examined by Michel Horabik
  • Patent number: 5731763
    Abstract: An access controller for a television, computer or display device includes a wireless transmitter and a receiving unit. The receiving unit has a tamper-proof housing that covers the device power line and protects receiving and switching circuitry. The receiving circuitry receives and demodulates a control signal sent by the transmitter, and drives the switching circuitry between ON and OFF states. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has opposed halves which close about the device plug. A pigtail line cord extends from the housing and provides power through the switch, to the device plug. The housing itself is featureless, and the transmitter is an inconspicuous, pocketable, push-button device, so the TV or other device may be controlled without physically approaching or otherwise revealing either the nature of the control mechanism or even that the operator is exercising control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Steve A. Herweck, Mathew S. Herweck