Control By Timer Or External Extraneous Condition Patents (Class 369/19)
  • Patent number: 10021050
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for maintaining a collection of documents and user-defined messages made in conversations such that the collection may be accessed in a secure and manageable manner. A user-defined message may be stored by a collection control application in at least one data store according to a message storage policy and a portion of the user-defined message may be associated with at least one file in a collection of files. A manifest may be generated that enables access to the portion of the user-defined message and the at least one file. The manifest may comprise a location reference for each of the plurality of files in the collection of files and the user-defined message and an indication that the portion of the user-defined message is associated with the at least one file in the collection of files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: AirWatch LLC
    Inventors: Ramani Panchapakesan, Manjunath Bhat, Sridhara Babu Kommireddy, Anil Jagarlamudi
  • Patent number: 9088145
    Abstract: An apparatus for routing data and power cables under raised floors and through other structures is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes an illuminated attachment comprising a connection mechanism to removably connect the illuminated attachment to an end of a cable. The illuminated attachment adds weight to the end of the cable to aid in tossing the end from one location to another. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew E. Brooks, David F. DeHaan
  • Patent number: 8633840
    Abstract: A determining method and apparatus thereof for a transition point of a sequence which can be applied to a decoder. The determining method determines the transition point of the sequence having N numbers, wherein the sequence is composed of a first value and a second value and N is a positive integer. The determining method includes determining the position the first value appearing consecutively in the sequence to determine a first interval; determining the position the second value appearing consecutively in the sequence to determine a second interval; and determining the longer interval between the first interval and the second interval, when the first interval is longer, determining an adjacency of the first interval and the second value as the transition point according to the first interval, and when the second interval is longer, determining an adjacency of the second interval and the first value as the transition point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Po Lin Yeh, Chien-Hsing Lin, Jui-Hua Yeh, Shao Ping Hung, Chih-Tien Chang
  • Patent number: 8406097
    Abstract: A reproduction device of a recording medium and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The reproduction device of a recording medium comprises a recording medium loading unit loading the recording medium, and inputting and/or outputting data of the recording medium; a main board provided with a central processing unit implementing reproduction of the recording medium in accordance with an input signal or a previously set program; and a key operation unit directly connected with a loader of the recording medium loading unit. Accordingly, the sub application processing open and/or close of the recording medium loading unit is actuated after a power supply of the reproduction device is turned, whereby the time required to detach or insert the recording medium from or to the reproduction device can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong In Shin, Seong Pyo Hong, Woo Hyun Paik, Wae Yeul Kim
  • Publication number: 20110134727
    Abstract: An electronic device that can reduce a noise caused by a signal or data being always output. A vehicle-mounted device includes: a player that reads out and outputs data recorded in a CD or a DVD (i.e., a TBCK signal, a TSD0 signal, and a TWS signal); a controller that receives the data (i.e., the TBCK signal, the TSD0 signal, and the TWS signal) output from the player, and executes various controls based on the received data; and an interrupt unit that interrupts transmission of the data recorded in the CD or the DVD to the controller controller until the CD or the DVD is inserted into the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Kohsuke Irie, Ryoh Ogata
  • Publication number: 20110013878
    Abstract: A method for an apparatus including an acquisition unit for acquiring moving image data, and a recording unit for recording the acquired moving image data in a loaded recording medium, includes determining whether the recording medium is a recordable and non-erasable recording medium, and if the recording medium is a recordable and non-erasable recording medium, controlling the recording unit so as to automatically stop recording of the moving image data according to the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed from the recording start of the moving image data, and if the recording medium is not a recordable and non-erasable recording medium, controlling the recording unit so as not to automatically stop recording of the moving image data, even if the predetermined time has elapsed from the recording start of the moving image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuo Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7765655
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving friends and loved ones in a casket by providing a burial casket, and providing an electronic audio communication system for placement in said casket to automatically electronically generate post-burial communications in said casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A timing mechanism maintains track of the date, day, and time, to allow for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Jeff Dannenberg
  • Patent number: 7765656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving family members, friends, and loved ones by adapting a burial casket with an electronic audio communication system that automatically generates post-burial communications in the casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A date tracking timer allows for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling. A battery power source provides electrical power for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Jeff Dannenberg
  • Publication number: 20090196129
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure measuring apparatus allows a transmitter to transmit an acoustic wave for measurement of the atmospheric pressure. Air propagates the acoustic wave. A receiver receives the acoustic wave. Since the intensity of the acoustic wave changes to follow the variation of the atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure can be measured based on the intensity of the acoustic wave received at the receiver. The atmospheric pressure is in this manner measured with such a simplified structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Suzuki, Takahiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 7522322
    Abstract: An apparatus for suitable for obtaining an image of a dental structure has an illuminator member placed proximate the area to be imaged. The illuminator member has a support structure (30) for retaining the illuminator member in position proximate the area to be imaged. A reference (22) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member and disposed within the area to be imaged. At least one light source (24) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member for directing imaging illumination toward the area to be imaged. A camera (12) records an image from within the area to be imaged using the imaging illumination from the illuminator member, wherein the image comprises the reference (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglass L. Blanding, Rongguang Liang, Edward J. Giorgianni, Steven J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7437502
    Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a history array for storing a plurality of history records, wherein each history record having a history range identifying a range of sector addresses proximate the sector address of a host command. As new host commands are received, the sector address of each host command is compared to the history records in the history array. A counter is adjusted in response to each comparison, and an operating mode of the disk drive is configured into a new operating mode if the counter exceeds a threshold, wherein the configuring includes adjusting at least one of the history range and the threshold relative to the new operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenny T. Coker
  • Publication number: 20080225652
    Abstract: A method of reproducing data from a recording medium, each of the data including reference time information indicating a reference time and including packet data, the method including: reproducing the data from the recording medium; obtaining a difference between respective reference times indicated by the reference time information of the reproduced adjacent data; rearranging the data on a time axis such that a time interval between adjacent data is equal to the obtained reference time difference; and outputting the rearranged data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Masafumi NAKAMURA, Toshifumi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080094944
    Abstract: A method of controlling the writing power of a laser beam in an optical recorder and an optical recorder having means for controlling the writing power of the laser beam are provided. The invention is directed to a Walking Optimum Power Control (Walking OPC) during writing onto an optical storage medium having two storage layers. The method comprises the steps of: incrementing a first counter (20) when a writing power control is performed with respect to a writing operation onto the first storage layer (16); incrementing a second counter (22) when a writing power control is performed with respect to a writing operation onto the second storage layer (18); calculating a first waiting time between two writing power control operations with respect to the first storage layer (16) under consideration of the first counter (20); and calculating a second waiting time between two writing power control operations with respect to the second storage layer (18) under consideration of the second counter (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Joris Huibert Joseph Geurts, Hendrikus Albertus Johanna Looijmans
  • Publication number: 20040228222
    Abstract: In a scratch effect control device for a digital audio signal playback apparatus, a control unit controls output of digital audio data recorded in a data recording medium and read by a data reading device in accordance with a first control signal representative of angular velocity and rotational direction of a first encoder disc and obtained from a first pick-up device, and a second control signal representative of angular velocity and rotational direction of a second encoder disc and obtained from a second pick-up device. The first encoder disc is mounted co-rotatably on an outer sleeve sleeved rotatably on an inner spindle and coupled co-axially to a lower platter member that is driven by a driving unit to rotate about an axis. The second encoder disc is mounted co-rotatably on the inner spindle which is coupled co-axially to an upper platter member that is superposed on the lower platter member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: YA HORNG ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: J.Y. Huang
  • Patent number: 6791904
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to receive selected audio content. According to one embodiment of the invention, an audio playback system is described. The audio playback system includes an audio content server and a device. The audio content server includes audio content to be selected for playback. The device calls the audio content server to request and receive an audio playback of selected audio content at a scheduled time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Outburst Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Allison Herron, Gabriel Manjarrez
  • Patent number: 6714489
    Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Rowe International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Kalis, Frederick G. Robinson, Richard Van Dyk
  • Publication number: 20030179659
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc drive sharing switching device, method and associated application system. The optical disc drive sharing switching device integrates a personal computer and an optical disc player together inside an information-processing appliance. The personal computer and the optical disc player share the use of an optical disc drive. The user is free to switch connections between the personal computer and the optical disc player with the optical disc drive. The device uses a simple switching program and the computer functions normally even if the optical disc drive is not under its control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Caviar Shi, Jones Lai
  • Publication number: 20030058752
    Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for delivering a prerecorded psycho-suggestive message such as a pre-recorded motivational message (e.g., a sales incentivizing message, a spiritual message, etc.) to a person that includes and involves a personal electronic device configured to perform a function, a storage unit for digitally storing at least one pre-recorded psycho-suggestive message, and a playback unit for playing the prerecorded psycho-suggestive message(s) for perception by the person. The personal electronic device is prevented from performing its function when the playback unit plays the psycho-suggestive message(s). The personal electronic device may be a radio unit such as a water-resistant radio that may be used in a shower or other similar or like context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Stacy Birnbach, Hanlo Yao
  • Patent number: 6212138
    Abstract: A compact disc automatic phonograph which records skips which occur during playing of a selection as well as cancellations of selections which occur as a result of the player not being able to read a disk, an excessive skip time or an excessive number of skips, as well as the times of occurrence of skips and cancellations for later review. Autoplayb and free play features may be set in terms of hours of the day and days of the week. Selections which have been made but not yet played may be cancelled after a predetermined interval following the time the phonograph has been turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Rowe International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Kalis, Frederick G. Robinson, Richard Van Dyk
  • Patent number: 5905797
    Abstract: A system for controlling the playing of rented compact discs on an end-user's compact disc player. The end-user obtains a validation disc on which is stored a control program and an expiry date. When the validation disc is inserted into the user's player, the player downloads the control program into its memory and runs the program. This causes the expiry date to be read from the disc and stored in the player's memory. Discs to be played on the player have stored thereon a second control program which is downloaded into the player's memory when they are inserted into the player. This second control program causes the player to check whether or not the current date, as maintained by the player, is later than the stored expiry date. If the current date is later, playing of the disc is prevented, while if it is earlier, playing of the disc is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: GMS(Recordings)Limited
    Inventor: Finlay McRae
  • Patent number: 5831945
    Abstract: A recording or reproducing apparatus capable of using power sources of different kinds, each having a different characteristic, is provided with a discriminating switch for discriminating the kind of the power source by means of the configuration of the electrodes of the power source and producing a discrimination result. The electrodes of each kind of power source are formed to have a different configuration. The execution or non-execution of an erasing operation is controlled in accordance with the discrimination result. In addition, an auto-shut-off circuit automatically shuts off the operation of the power source if an inoperative state continues for a predetermined time period, and the predetermined time period is set in accordance with the discrimination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Shinbori, Masaya Maeda, Yuji Sakaegi
  • Patent number: 5822754
    Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention has reproduction change detector for receiving information indicative of a detection of a reproduction operation from an in-reproduction detector, and a record change detector for receiving the information indicative of the detection of the reproduction operation of recording parts from in-record detector, thereby having excellent operability by simple switching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Endo
  • Patent number: 5774861
    Abstract: A mirror and light box assembly installable in a crib or other enclosure occupied by an infant. The assembly which is interactive with the infant includes a light box on whose front face is mounted a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When an electric light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant through the then effectively transparent mirror. Associated with the light box is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by crying sounds emanating from the infant, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. Also associated with the light box is a record playback unit having stored therein a voice message recorded by the mother addressed to her infant, the unit being rendered operative only when the bulb is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5712834
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of recording and reproducing apparatus in which a time elapse measuring means can be reset and read by a control means to measure the elapse time. The control means also receives position information of the recording or reproducing medium from an output means. The control means can execute operation commands at times in response to the measured time elapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Nagano, Harumi Kawamura, Hisato Shima
  • Patent number: 5581469
    Abstract: There is provided a device for checking the lifetime of household electronic or electric appliances. This device checks actual energization time and enhances the lifetime by improving the likelihood of service at optimal intervals. The device includes a sensor for outputting signals indicating that the electronic or electric appliance is energized, a memory storing energization time, a signal input unit for inputting inquiry signals from a user wishing to check the lifetime of the electronic or electric appliance, a display, a microprocessor for determining accumulated energization as a function of signals from the sensor, storing an updated energization time back into the memory, and selectively controlling the display to display the energization time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin J. Kim
  • Patent number: 5566077
    Abstract: A control system for dynamically regulating an operating condition of a device used with and controlled by a host computer system. The inventive system includes a sensor arrangement for detecting the desired operating condition of the device and providing a signal in response thereto. A control system dynamically regulates the operation of the device in response to commands generated by the host system and the sensor output signal to maintain the operating condition of the device within predetermined parameters. In a particular implementation, the advantageous teachings of the present invention are incorporated in an optical drive system. One or more sensors are used to detect the operating temperature of the drive and provide an analog output signal in response thereto. The signal is digitized and input to a microprocessor based control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Kulakowski, Rodney J. Means
  • Patent number: 5555536
    Abstract: A device for playing recorded audio at one or more selected times. An alarm clock and recorder are coupled together such that audio recorded by the user plays at a time selected by the user on the clock. The device permits multiple times to be selected. In one mode of operation, all recorded audio (such as messages) is played at each selected time. In another mode of operation, audio portions, such as individual messages, are associated with individual times, and each audio portion plays only at its associated, selected time. In yet another mode of operation, a time interval may be selected whereby, after initial playback of audio, the audio is replayed each time the interval of time passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventors: Rebecca L. Rolf, Devon A. Rolf
  • Patent number: 5452274
    Abstract: A sound-activated playback device which generally includes a sound-activated circuit and an electrically driven playback device which plays a recording on a selected prerecorded medium. The sound-activated circuit includes a noise sensor for sensing the sound of a crying child and activating the playback device. The sound-activated circuit also includes a timer for selecting and limiting the duration of playback of the recording, a timer override switch for overriding the timer, and a prerecorded medium reset for resetting the prerecorded medium after the playback device stops playing. Further, the sound-activated circuit includes a means for turning off the noise sensor until the playback device has finished playing and the prerecorded medium is reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Barbara J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5428587
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk handling system, called an autochanger, having two control systems to provide the six motions necessary to move optical disk cartridges from storage holding cells to an optical drive. The system uses shaft encoders on two motors of the two control systems, and current or voltage feedback from the motors, for all positioning, and for detecting the location of the mechanisms during, and at the end of, moves. An optical drive interface connects the electronics of the autochanger and the optical drive, and includes electrical signals to emulate an eject pushbutton on the optical drive and an indicator lamp on the optical drive. The autochanger monitors the on and off state of the lamp signal as well as the duration of the on and off cycles to determine which operation is being performed by the optical drive. The autochanger uses the lamp signal and the eject signal to control all operations with the optical drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Wanger, Mark J. Bianchi, Kraig A. Proehl
  • Patent number: 5406625
    Abstract: A determination is made whether recording by a recording apparatus is or is not feasible. This determination is made on the basis of whether or not scrambled reception signals can be descrambled. Recording is discontinued when it is determined that descrambling is not feasible. This prevents wasteful recording. A user can check visually and/or audibly to see whether or not descrambling has been effected. The user is thereby apprised of whether or not recording is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kotaka, Toru Minematsu, Nobuo Namekawa
  • Patent number: 5404343
    Abstract: A marker such as a grave stone or tombstone for visually identifying the resting place of the remains of a once living entity, with the marker preferably having a location for written information to be applied thereto for specifically identifying the remains. The marker includes an audio system which can audibly broadcast information relevant to or regarding the identified remains. The audible broadcast may be an epitaph, music, poems, favorite sayings, stories, voice messages to the world or loved ones, combinations thereof, and or anything which can be broadcast by an audio speaker in audible tones or voice(s). The audio system includes capabilities for electronically retrieving the information for audible broadcast from digital information stored within semiconductor electronics, and thereby electrical power consumption is kept low, as is the number of moving parts in the audio system. An electrical power supply, preferably including a photovoltaic panel, is used for electrically powering the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Bruce M. Boggio
  • Patent number: 5343450
    Abstract: A timer operation management apparatus for managing the playback and recording of multiple video tape cassettes comprising cassette information storage capabilities for storing the presence/absence of cassette, the presence/absence of a safety lug, and the like; timer information capabilities capable of storing cassette designation information, start and stop time designations, record and play time designations, etc.; and wherein the cassette designation information includes both individual cassette designation information and all cassette designation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keiji Hamoda, Jun Yoshikawa, Takeo Yamada, Isamu Odane, Masahiro Ito, Yoshimasa Noudan, Hideo Kunii, Hirofumi Kanai, Masashi Yasuzato
  • Patent number: 5337292
    Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is capable of recording an inputted audio signal onto a recording medium. A controlling device is provided which is capable of remote-controlling at least a recording operation of the recording/reproducing apparatus. A microphone is provided on the controlling device for picking up sound waves and converting them into audio signals to be input into the recording/reproducing device, and at least one audio source is provided for generating an audio signal to be input into the recording/reproducing apparatus. A selection switch is further provided for selecting either the microphone or the audio source. The selection switch is provided on the controlling device and a control circuit is utilized for controlling the apparatus to receive the audio signal from either one of the microphone and the audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harumi Aoki
  • Patent number: 5239587
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the unattended recording of game animal sound activities in hunting areas by combining an external microphone and a sound recording apparatus housed within a weather resistent case. The sound recording apparatus includes a high gain amplifier so that sounds over a wide geographic area may be detected. The output of the high gain amplifier is fed into a standard cassette tape recorder. The entire apparatus is provided with a digital clock and means for taking the output of the digital clock and turning the apparatus on and off at selected time intervals in order to take a sample of sound activity over an extended time interval without requiring the hunter to spend an excessively lengthy amount of time in reviewing the recorded sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce Muckelrath
  • Patent number: 5237462
    Abstract: A video record stop time setting method for a VCR capable of setting the video recording period at a user's discretion by setting or changing the video record stop time at any time. The invention includes: an N second timer counting method for displaying ERS mode on the digitron; a video record stop time setting method for displaying and storing the video record stop time setting data; and a video record stop method for stopping the video recording when the video record stop time setting data and the present time data are equal. According to the invention, the video recording period of time can be set conveniently at a user's discretion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-U Jo
  • Patent number: 5210725
    Abstract: A control circuit of a tray loading apparatus determines, according to a disc size and a tray moving direction, a time during which to control the motor at a constant speed. When the specified time has elapsed after the motor was started, the control circuit produces a pulse-width modulated output to slowly lower the motor speed, eliminating impact noise when the tray strikes a stopper. This motor deceleration time is measured. When the measured deceleration time disagrees with a preset or previously detected target deceleration time, the difference is either added to or subtracted from a constant-speed motor operation time and the resultant value is taken as the next target time for constant-speed motor operation. In this way, by changing the time during which the motor is driven at a constant speed, any variations in the tray moving speed as might occur from varying loads on the motor are absorbed to keep the motor deceleration time and decelerating speed unchanged, thus making the tray motion smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kase, Ryo Matsuura, Nobuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5164934
    Abstract: A control circuit of a tray loading apparatus determines, according to a disc size and a tray moving direction, a time during which to control the motor at a constant speed. When the specified time has elapsed after the motor was started, the control circuit produces a pulse-width modulated output to slowly lower the motor speed, eliminating impact noise when the tray strikes a stopper. This motor deceleration time is measured. When the measured deceleration time disagrees with a preset or previously detected target deceleration time, the difference is either added to or subtracted from a constant-speed motor operation time and the resultant value is taken as the next target time for constant-speed motor operation. In this way, by changing the time during which the motor is driven at a constant speed, any variations in the tray moving speed as might occur from varying loads on the motor are absorbed to keep the motor deceleration time and decelerating speed unchanged, thus making the tray motion smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kase, Ryo Matsuura, Nobuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4991159
    Abstract: A time display device for an apparatus for playing information recorded on an optical disk includes a first input device for specifying a total playing time and a second input device for specifying portions of the disk to be played. A time adding unit obtains a sum of the playing times of the portions of the disk specified by the second input device. A subtracting unit obtains a subtracted value by subtracting the sum obtained by the time adding unit from the total playing time. The total playing time is then displayed in a numerical fashion, whereas the sum obtained by the adding unit is displayed in a bar graph fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Tomoda, Yasuomi Shimada
  • Patent number: 4991025
    Abstract: The disclosed device enables the recording of television broadcasts which are preprogrammed in a memory. The presence of data lines of the television signal in combination with the presence of a color television signal is checked. When the data lines stop, the video recorder is switched on in real time by a clock time signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Eigeldinger
  • Patent number: 4984098
    Abstract: A point-of-purchase advertising device generates a prerecorded audio message automatically whenever a person is nearby, and then resets itself automatically to prepare for the presence of another person. A motion detector generates a logic level signal whenever movement is sensed. This logic level signal causes a tape recorder to begin generating a prerecorded audio message. The audio output produced by the tape recorder is processed and converted to another logic level signal. This other logic level signal keeps the tape recorder on, and also disables the motion detector. The tape recorder turns off when the prerecorded message is over--since its processed audio output signal is all that keeps it on. The operation of the motion detector remains inhibited, however, until a preset period of time elapses after the prerecorded audio message is over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Popad, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Y. Buntsis
  • Patent number: 4964108
    Abstract: A sound reproducing apparatus is provided with an audio signal processing circuit for receiving an audio signal from a signal input circuit and applying the same to a speaker or sound producer through a variable resistor which is adjusted to vary its effective resistance value by an actuator operating in response to a drive signal so as to reproduce sound corresponding to the audio signal with a volume determined by the effective resistance value of the variable resistor, a time control for causing the audio signal processing circuit to commence operation automatically at a preset time, a duration setting arrangement operative in response to a duration setting signal to store in a memory data corresponding to a selected duration of operation of the actuator, and a controller programmed to be operative, when the time control causes the commencement of operation of the audio signal processing circuit at the preset time, to cause a signal generator to apply a drive signal to the actuator for the selected duratio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Ohtsu, Tohru Kurita
  • Patent number: 4914534
    Abstract: The disclosed information reproducing apparatus reproduces information recorded on a record medium. A timer system restricts the reproducing operation of the apparatus to a predetermined period of time and a control facility controls the timer system on the basis of the coupled state or operating state of a reproduced information handling apparatus arranged to handle reproduced information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Chito
  • Patent number: 4894814
    Abstract: An optical disc player having a timer for counting the elapse of time from the start of reproduction of music on an optical disc, an input for entering a desired reproduction time, a memory for storing the desired reproduction time and a logic processor for comparing the passage of time counted by the timer. The disc player pauses without going back to the starting position the reproduction of music when the elapsed time coincides with the desired reproduction time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Yamada, Susumu Kinoshita, Haruhisa Tomoda
  • Patent number: 4862438
    Abstract: A pillow/audio system combination functioning as both a pillow and an audio system. A substantially rectangularly-shaped pillow casing has stuffing material therein. An audio signal generating device such as a tape recorder is provided within the pillow casing along with a speaker and a battery for providing audible sound. Switches are provided at the corners of the pillow and are connected to the signal generating device for energizing and deenergizing the same. A battery jack is provided on the pillow casing for recharging the batteries therein. An audio jack is also provided on the pillow casing for connecting to a piggyback pillow having therein a speaker, which also generates audible sound via the signal received through the audio jack and an audio extension cord. A pocket is provided within the pillow casing for housing the various components of the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Michael L. Fry
  • Patent number: 4814905
    Abstract: In a pocket size portable sound recorder, a special pushbutton swith is provided, and pulses are generated according to the number of operations of the pushbutton switch and are applied to a counter as upcount inputs. Also provided is a timer in which a pulse is generated whenever a specified time elapses after depression of the push button switch, and the pulse output is applied to the counter as a downcount input. Since the counter output is applied to the operation control circuit of the recorder, after the pushbutton switch is depressed, the recorder action will be carried out for a predetermined time period until the count value of the counter becomes zero. Also when the counter counts down to a predetermined value a flickering light is generated to indicate that the predetermined time is about to expire. If the special pushbutton is continuously depressed the counter is automatically reset to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Hashimoto Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 4814901
    Abstract: A video cassette recorder for rental use having a timer means for counting the preset time, a back up power-supply such as battery and so on, and a start means for starting said timer means whereby the recorder makes only the normal reproducing operation impossible to perform till the re-start is performed after the lapse of the preset time from the timer start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Onishi, Toshikazu Masumoto, Kazumi Murakami, Kiyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4755887
    Abstract: A drop out trigger captures waveform data when a normally continuous input signal is disrupted or interrupted. In the preferred embodiment, a conventional trigger detects a parameter periodically satisfied by the continuous signal and resets a timer whenever a trigger event occurs. The alarm count of the timer is set for an interval slightly larger than the periodic interval. If the timer reaches the alarm count, a measurement signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Phillip E. Deaver, Stephen K. Will, Steven C. Bird, Mark S. Allen
  • Patent number: 4685303
    Abstract: A disc drive isolation system including an environment control enclosure and a disc drive isolation module is disclosed. A thermo-electric heat pump is mounted to the enclosure for cooling the interior of the enclosure and a fan circulates air within the enclosure. A humidity sensor controls the heat pump and the fan in response to the sensed humidity of the interior air. First and second temperature sensors control the heat pump andthe disc drive, respectively. The isolation module is disposed in the enclosure and has an outer body and an inner body supported within the outer body with the disc drive mounted within the inner body. The mounting of the inner body within the outer body sequesters the disc drive against vibration and shock applied to the outer body. This arrangement enables almost any disc drive to be operated in an industrial environment independent of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, shock and vibration characteristics of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Thomas J. Merchant, William L. Miller, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 4670798
    Abstract: A point of purchase advertising system is provided which senses the presence of a person in the vicinity of an advertising display and thereupon renders an appropriate advertisement such as a recorded verbal message or a visual or aural demonstration. In preferred forms, the overall apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensing circuit for detecting the approach of a potential customer, an advertisement giving device, typically an endless tape playback unit and a coupled speaker, and a controller for operation of the playback unit in response to detection of a customer. A voice operated relay circuit is advantageously coupled with the audio output of the playback unit and the playback controller, so that operation of the playback unit is maintained until the entire recorded advertisement has been given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Max L. Campbell
    Inventors: Max L. Campbell, Jerome A. Flesher
  • Patent number: RE34843
    Abstract: A multi-channel electronic waveform recorder, for storing waveform data and time of occurrence information, i.e., a "time-tag", for each stored value of an input waveform, is disclosed. Specifically, each channel of the waveform recorder compares a previously stored value of a corresponding input signal to a current value .Iadd.of that signal.Iaddend., and .[.stores.]. .Iadd.is able to store .Iaddend.the current value whenever the difference between the input signal and the previously stored value is a predetermined amount. .Iadd.Each or any selected sub-set of all the channels, through an appropriate switch setting, can determine points in time when, in response to the difference occurring for that channel, all the channels will simultaneously store the current value of these respective input signals. .Iaddend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Duffers Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugo S. Ferguson