Abstract: A remote control system which determines which of at least two different vehicle functions to activate based at least in part on the strength of the received signal. In a first alternative embodiment, a strong received signal unlocks the door, whereas a weak received signal causes the engine to start. Thus, using the same signal the driver can start the engine of the vehicle while a distance from the vehicle, and subsequently unlock the door when the driver has walked near to the vehicle. In a second alternative embodiment, the signal to unlock the door is relatively weak when transmitted, whereas the signal to start the engine is relatively strong when transmitted, so that the engine can be started from a distance, but the doors can only be unlocked when the transmitter is near to the vehicle. The security of the vehicle is thereby enhanced, and the ease of use of the remote control system is increased.

Abstract: The adjusting movement of a control knob on a control device in the passenger compartment of an automobile is transferred to an air vent in an air shaft which leads to the passenger compartment in a simple manner requiring little space and few parts. A flexible steel shaft is coupled to the torque shaft of the control knob at an oblique angle to this torque shaft by way of a universal joint connection. To simplify construction, a first retainer for the universal joint is designed in one piece with the control knob torque shaft, and a second retainer is designed in one piece with an intermediate shaft to which the flexible steel shaft connected.

Abstract: An attachment for use in conjunction with radio control transmitters, especially for use with model cars, which has a steering wheel and a fork-shaped lever extending therefrom. The lever is adapted to fit over the directional control stick of the transmitter, whereby the rotary motion created by turning the steering wheel translates into the rectilinear motion which actuates the control stick. Realism and enhanced operator control are achieved.

Abstract: A braided cord and a connector are provided for remote control of a rotary knob.

Abstract: There is provided, for an appliance having an operating shaft with a non-circular end section, the control assembly which includes a drive means, a coupling member, and mounting means for mounting the drive means non-rotatably on the appliance. The drive means has a low-speed, high-torque output shaft, and the coupling member has a first opening to receive the operating shaft and a second opening aligned with the first opening, the second opening being engagable with the output shaft. The first opening is complementary to the non-circular end section of the operating shaft, whereas the second opening and the output shaft are engagable to provide a lost-motion connection that allows the output shaft to engage the second opening over a wide angular range while still allowing the output shaft to engage and drive the coupling member.

Abstract: An exterior mounted remote control television channel selector for use with a television receiver having a conventional manual channel selector knob is provided. A receiver mechanism is provided with a motor that is rotated in response to a remote control signal received thereby. A U-shaped linkage member is coupled to the motor and is rotated thereby. The U-shaped linkage member is adapted to be selectively coupled directly to the channel selector knob of a television receiver to thereby impart rotary motion of the channel selector knob and permit channel selection to be affected.

Abstract: The horizontally extending rotary operator shaft of an electric lamp socket switch is joined releasably to one end of a connector the opposite end of which is connected through a coupler to one end of an elongated extension which hangs freely downward for rotation about a vertical axis. The coupler may be a length of snake chain, a length of link chain, wire, rotor or other flexible or resilient material confined for rotation in a rigid sleeve having its ends disposed at right angles to each other, or bevel gears disposed perpendicular to each other, or a link pivotally interconnecting the connector and extension and confined in a sleeve which maintains the included angles between the link and the connector and extension to obtuse angles of sufficient magnitude that, as with the other couplers, rotation of the extension about a vertical axis results in rotation of the connector and hence the rotary operator shaft of the switch about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A remote volume control for television sets wherein an unshielded flexible metal shaft is directly connected to the television volume control at one end and at the other to a motor driven gear train mounted to the side or top of the set adjacent to the volume control. Remotely positioned hand-held switching means and batteries permit the user to effect clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the volume control shaft to control volume.

Abstract: A mechanical control system comprising a master or a controller which is rotated in control operations, a slave or a controlled unit such as a rotary electric control component such as a variable resistor, and a mechanical power transmission means for interconnecting between the master and slave for transmitting the turning force of the master to the slave. The mechanical power transmission means comprises a core and a plurality of helical spring layers tightly wound one upon another alternately in the opposite directions so that the angular mismatching or misalignment between the master and slave may be avoided. Since the master and slave may be spaced apart from each other, the layouts of electric components may be remarkably facilitated even in a very limited space.

Abstract: A pull-cord acting through a leverage and a linkage actuates the driving element of a 2 element clutch, the driven element containing a slot which is in driving engagement with the tongue of a TV tuner dial. The clutch and an actuating lever are attached to separate clamps which are vertically and rotatably attached to a column affixed to the table or to a plate on which the TV rests. A lever arm attached to the driving element of the clutch is connected by means of a linkage to the parallel arm of an L-shaped actuating lever. A pull on a pull-cord attached to a vertical arm of the actuating lever advances the tuner to the next adjacent channel.

Abstract: A mechanical channel selector device for the remote switching of channels of a television receiver includes a switching mechanism coaxially mounted to the television receiver channel shaft and operatively connected to a manual control mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a switching disc having a series of notches corresponding to the television channels on the inside surface which cooperate with a pawl member pivotally mounted to a switching actuator lever coaxially mounted on the disc and operatively connected to the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a spring biased control knob movable between an at rest position and an actuated position. Movement of the control knob results in the pivotal movement of the actuator lever and the pawl member engaging a notch on the switching disk to rotate the television receiver channel shaft to the next channel.

Abstract: A remote television control includes a hollow floating knob which is engaged on the television tuner shaft. Inside the knob is a torque-applying mechanism such as a unidirectional clutch or ratchet for imparting torque to the tuner shaft. A flexible coaxial force applying means extend between the torque-applying mechanism and a control including a solenoid which is actuated by means of an acoustical switch tuned to respond to an acoustical signal of a selected frequency emitted by a remote source. When the solenoid is actuated, it moves the force applying means which, in turn, reacts against the knob and activates the torque-applying mechanism inside the knob so that the tuner is rotated to change the channel of the television receiver. The control also includes a switch which is actuated when the knob is indexed to an unused channel position in order to turn the televison set off. Alternatively, the television set is turned on or off independently of the channel position of the tuner.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for operating the channel selector of a television receiver, the apparatus comprising a drive motor connected to a gear reducer, the gear reducer being drivingly connected to the shaft of the channel selector, a switch for the drive motor, the switch being at the end of a length of cord to allow the switch to be located remotely of the receiver, and a stabilizing means to prevent rotation of the gear reducer with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: A rod-like member of variable adjustable length has a handle at one end. A head part at the opposite end of the member cooperates with the dial of a TV set in a manner whereby a user in an area distant from the set selectively rotates the dial via the member.

Abstract: A toothed wheel is fixed to the control shaft of a television channel selector. A second class lever is mounted to freely rotate about a fulcrum colinear with the axis of the control shaft. A remotely operable cord is attached to the lever at an end thereof opposite the fulcrum to rotate the lever about the fulcrum. A pawl is mounted on the lever and has a hook end which engages the teeth of the toothed wheel. When the lever rotates, the pawl rotates the toothed wheel and thus the control shaft.