Abstract: A method for improving multi-channel radio communication. Firstly, providing a motor vehicle having a multi-channel radio. Secondly, mounting a visual display device to the motor vehicle in such a manner that the visual display device is visible from a distance to persons observing the motor vehicle. Thirdly, displaying a number representing a channel frequency to which the multi-channel radio is tuned on the visual display device.

Abstract: The channel selector shaft of a 70 channel mechanically detented UHF tuner is provided with mechanical stops which prevent the shaft from moving above UHF channel No. 69 so that the upper twenty-four UHF channels are unused. Also, a dial driving arrangement is provided for driving an expanded UHF dial having only 56 channel indicia so that the 56 channel indicia cover substantially the same area on the dial as the 70 channel indicia of prior art arrangements.

Abstract: In a pointer sliding mechanism intended for use in a pushbutton tuner, there is fixed on the base plate of the tuner a pair of pivots, right and left, on which right and left links are pivotably mounted at the front ends thereof; a pointer mount-plate is pivotably mounted to the right and left links at the rear ends thereof so as to couple these links together. On the other hand, there is provided on the base plate of the pushbutton tuner a memory slide which is movable in the direction of the width of the tuner, and a V-shaped link is mounted between the memory slide and one of the links supporting the pointer mount-plate, which V-shaped link is freely openable and closable; the arm of this V-shaped link on the side of the memory slide is pivotably mounted at the central portion thereof to a pivot fixed to the base plate.

Abstract: A display device for digitally displaying a numerical value of plural figures on a display unit includes a detector for detecting the variation rate of the numerical value to be displayed. The brightness of a display section for an arbitrary figure of the numerical value is controlled in accordance with the detector output. The display device may be used in a radio receiver for displaying the receiving frequency.

Abstract: An improved system for indicating a tuned broadcast band frequency in which a rotatable turret projects a beam of illumination along a predetermined path towards a dial scale with marking indicia indicating a selected band frequency. A carriage operative to move in a linear path tunes a predetermined band frequency as selected by an operator. The carriage engages a pivotable line on said turret so as to rotate the turret on its axis to project the light beam on the dial scale at a band frequency corresponding to the position of the carriage.

Abstract: A radio receiver such as an FM stereophonic receiver includes a detector circuit connected to an intermediate frequency amplifying stage in the receiver for delivering a signal responsive to the signal strength and the degree of multipath interference, and a light emission section controlled in its average brightness and flicker in accordance with the detected signal so as to visually indicate the signal strength and the degree of multipath interference, respectively. The light emission section preferably is used also as another indicating device such as a dial pointer or a stereophonic indicator.

Abstract: An indication element driving device is incorporated within a tuning apparatus. The driving device comprises a casing of a substantially cylindrical shape with both end faces covered, a driving shaft is rotatably supported passing through the covered end faces of the casing and is adapted to be selectively shifted in its axial direction to a first and second position, and briefly rotated upon a tuning operation. A flywheel disposed coaxially with the driving shaft inside the casing and supported rotatably with respect to said driving shaft. A pulley disposed coaxially with driving shaft at an extended part thereof extending and projecting outside the casing has fine cord wound therearound. A first clutch is operable when the driving shaft is set to the first position, a second clutch is operable when the driving shaft is set to the second position.

Abstract: Tuning indicator apparatus is provided for use with a frequency synthesizer tuner of the type having a phase-locked loop including a reference oscillator, a variable frequency oscillator to produce a local oscillating signal, a programmable frequency divider coupled to the variable frequency oscillator for dividing the frequency of the local oscillating signal by a variable dividing ratio to produce a frequency-divided oscillating signal, a phase comparator for comparing the frequency-divided oscillating signal to the output of the reference oscillator to produce an error signal, and a feedback circuit for feeding back the error signal from the phase comparator to the variable frequency oscillator to adjust the frequency of the local oscillating signal and thereby establish a tuning condition of the tuner. The tuning indicator apparatus includes a counter for counting counter pulses supplied thereto, the count of this counter determining the dividing ratio of the programmable frequency divider.

Abstract: A display panel for a CB transceiver is disclosed which identifies to others the channel being used by the operator and other information such as the operator's code name or that the operator needs emergency assistance. The display panel is adapted to be installed in a motor vehicle on the front dashboard, on the rear window area, or the side windows. In the preferred embodiment, the display panel includes an electronic digital channel indicator connected to the channel selector of the CB transceiver. The numbers displayed on the channel indicator change with the channel selected on the CB transceiver. A translucent overlay is mounted within the display panel in front of the digital channel indicator, and the overlay is personalized with information about the operator. A light behind the overlay makes the information visible to others. Two flashing lights are also mounted within the display panel.

Abstract: A display in a superheterodyne receiver having a local oscillator, adapted for displaying in a digital manner the frequency of a signal being received by the receiver by counting the local oscillation frequency by means of a preset counter wherein the data for the prescribed intermediate frequency or the complement thereof is preset. A reference voltage is generated by means of a variable resistor for correcting the difference between the preset value for the prescribed intermediate frequency and the actual intermediate frequency of the intermediate frequency stage of a receiver as actually manufactured, and a comparison voltage is obtained by digital/analog converting the output of a multiple-bit counter which is stepped responsive to clock pulses.

Abstract: A station-signal frequency indicating system for a radio receiver, in which the content in a counter counting an output of a local oscillator in the receiver is temporarily retained by a latching circuit and in turn is displayed by an indicator, and in which a control circuit inhibits the retained content in the latching circuit from being changed, immediately after the receiver is tuned exactly to a station signal until the receiver is detuned from this station signal.

Abstract: A radio receiver receives a transmitted high-frequency signal which is mixed within the receiver with a local-oscillator-frequency signal to form an intermediate-frequency signal, which in turn is converted into an audio-frequency signal. A plurality of indicator elements are arranged in a row to form a quasi-analog channel indicator, each indicator element of which is associated with a respective one of the selectable channels. A multi-channel oscillator furnishes the requisite local-oscillator-frequency signals for tuning-in the available channels and furthermore controls the operation of the indicator elements of the quasi-analog channel indicator.

Abstract: In a station signal frequency indicating system for a superheterodyne radio receiver, a station-signal frequency received by the receiver is evaluated on the basis of the oscillating frequency of a local oscillator in the receiver, the evaluation being compensated for a difference between the tuning frequency of the receiver and the station-signal frequency received. This evaluation is performed by, for instance, counting a signal generated at the local oscillator by a counter, and the compensation of evaluation is accomplished by, for example, varying a preset number for the counter in accordance with the dc-voltage level of the output of a demodulator in the receiver. Such system is capable of indicating a correct station-signal frequency so long as the frequency difference is less than a predetermined value, even when the receiver is not tuned exactly to the station-signal frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic tuning type receiver having a band display unit and a numerical frequency display unit. The numerical frequency display unit provides a visual numerical display of the frequency selected by the receiver. The band display unit provides a visual indication of the relationship of the selected frequency with respect to the frequency band being tuned by the receiver.

Abstract: Tuning apparatus which is tunable to different broadcast frequencies and including a scale provided with indicia corresponding to such broadcast frequencies and a pointer movable across the scale to indicate the particular broadcast frequency to which the tuning apparatus is tuned. The pointer is supported by a movable support which is guided by a guide shaft. A plurality of markers are slidably guided along at least one guide rail and are individually settable to desired locations adjacent the scale, thereby representing particular broadcast frequencies to which the tuning apparatus is tunable. A key also is slidable along the guide shaft with the movable support, the key being selectively operative to engage a desired one of the markers to move the engaged marker therewith as the support is moved, whereby the marker is set to a desired position by reason of its engagement with the key.

Abstract: A display system for indicating the tuning positions of a tuner for tuning a receiver to any one of a relatively large number of stations includes a plurality of station indicators arranged in a linear array and two position indicators. When a station indicator is activated, it identifies that one station in a respective group of stations including a center and two adjacent stations having respective frequencies below and above the frequency of the center station is tuned. When one position indicator is activated it identifies that the lower adjacent station in a respective group is tuned. When the other position indicator is activated, it identifies that the upper adjacent station in the respective group is tuned. When neither position indicator is activated, the center station in the respective group is tuned.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner display apparatus for an entertainment device is disclosed in which a plurality of pushbuttons are used to tune a radio apparatus in the entertainment device in one mode of operation, while in another mode of operation the entertainment device operates as a cartridge tape player in which the pushbuttons are utilized as display devices which indicate which tape track is being monitored by the cartridge tape player. Additionally, one pushbutton is utilized as a display to indicate the reception of a stereo radio signal. Each pushbutton comprises a clear plastic light pipe surrounded by an opaque plastic part having openings at the front and rear. An associated light bulb mounted inside the frame of the entertainment device is utilized to provide light to each rear portion of each light pipe, and each light pipe has a prismatic portion which transmits received light to a front portion of the light pipe where an illuminated operative state display indication is produced.

Abstract: A common indicator unit for a radio receiver and transceiver includes a segment type indicator consisting of a plurality of digits. An indication output corresponding to the receiving frequency of the radio receiver and an indication output corresponding to the channel of the transceiver are applied to the input terminal of the indicator after selection by switching.

Abstract: Apparatus which finds particular application in a tuning device of the type which is tunable to different broadcast frequencies and which includes a scale provided with indicia corresponding to such broadcast frequencies and a pointer movable across the scale to indicate the particular broadcast frequency to which the tuning apparatus is tuned, the pointer being supported by a movable support which is guided by a guide shaft. A plurality of markers are slidably guided along at least one guide rail and are individually settable to desired locations adjacent the scale, thereby representing particular broadcast frequencies to which the tuning device is tunable. A key also is slidable along the guide shaft with the movable support, the key being selectively operative to engage a desired one of the markers to move the engaged marker therewith as the support is moved, whereby the marker is set to a desired position by reason of its engagement with the key.

Abstract: Tuning apparatus including a scale provided with indicia corresponding to different broadcast frequencies to which the tuning apparatus is tunable and a pointer movable across the scale to indicate the particular broadcast frequency to which the tuning apparatus is tuned. The pointer is supported by a movable support which is guided by a guide shaft. A plurality of markers are slidably guided along at least one guide rail and are individually settable to desired locations adjacent the scale, thereby representing particular broadcast frequencies to which the tuning apparatus is tunable. A key removably mounted on the guide shaft is bi-directionally driven therealong by the movable support, the key being selectively operative to engage a desired one of the markers to move the engaged marker along the guide rail as the support is moved, whereby the marker is set to a desired position by reason of its engagement with the key.

Abstract: A tuning indicating device in a radio tuner displays S-meter and T-meter tuning information in a single, two-dimensional display. The display unit forms a two-dimensional pattern in response to drive signals corresponding to the S-meter and T-meter tuning information and preferably comprises two groups of electrodes disposed to sandwich a plate-shaped member made of a material whose optical characteristic is changed in response to an electrical field strength applied thereto. One of the groups of electrodes is a plurality of film electrodes which are aligned in one and the same direction, while the other is a plurality of film electrodes which are arranged in such a manner that the configurations thereof are different from one another gradually in a predetermined direction and which are aligned in a direction different from the direction of the one group of film electrodes.

Abstract: The fluorescent display tube is of the flat tube type driven by a dynamic drive system. The tube comprises a transparent envelope made up of a flat substrate and a cover spaced therefrom. A first display unit is formed on the inner surface of the substrate while a second display unit is formed on the inner surface of the cover. Each of the first and second display units comprises electrodes arranged in a pattern to be displayed and phosphor films coated on the electrodes. The electrodes of the second display unit are made of transparent material. Where the electrodes of respective display units are selectively energized the phosphor films on the selected electrodes are caused to fluoresce by thermal electrons generated by a cathode electrode thus displaying a desired pattern.

Abstract: In a tuning apparatus for a broadcast receiver having a dial scale calibrated to represent broadcast frequencies over a predetermined frequency band, and along which an indicator is movable for indicating the broadcast frequency to which the tuning apparatus is actually tuned; a sensor is movable with the indicator, at least one presetting element is movable along the dial scale for indicating a respective preset broadcast frequency and each such element coacts with the sensor whenever the broadcast frequency to which the tuning apparatus is tuned corresponds to the respective preset broadcast frequency, a control signal generator produces a control signal in response to the coaction of the sensor with each of the presetting elements, and a control circuit is responsive to the control signal to control a function of the tuning apparatus, such as, a muting and/or automatic frequency control operation of the tuning Johnson 310 239

Abstract: A digital readout device for use in a motor vehicle having a manually adjustable channel-indicating control mounted in accessible relationship to the vehicle operator. A digital display device is remotely positioned from the control interiorally of the vehicle and has a two digit illuminated panel. The panel is affixed to an interior vehicle surface adjacent a vehicle window so that it will face outwardly of the vehicle and be visible to persons exteriorally of the vehicle and in particular to operators of vehicles in the near vicinity. A flat wire connector having a connectable harness intermediately thereof provides electrical communication between the control and the display device. The construction of the control and display devices each include an extruded channel structure.

Abstract: A radio tuning arrangement is provided wherein a drive cable for rotating a uning capacitor drum in response to rotation of a tuning knob also serves to provide current to a lamp that moves with an indicator in response to rotation of the knob. The cable includes a pair of conductors that extend longitudinally off the drum to terminal posts through a clamp thereby defining a torsion section of the cable. The conductors also extend circumferentially off the drum to the indicator lamp from opposite sides of a closed path.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring or determining the channel to which a voltage tunable receiver (or CATV converter) has been tuned includes an encoder for measuring the magnitude of the tuning voltage applied to the tuning section of the receiver and for generating a channel representative digital code in response to the tuning voltage. The digital code thus generated is compatible with remotely located monitoring equipment, and represents the number of the channel to which the receiver is tuned. Since the tuning voltage is not linearly related to the channel number of the station being received, the encoder utilizes a read-only memory or the like for storing a coded representation relating the channel number to the tuning voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the coded representations are sequentially stored as tuning voltage representations in address locations of the memory corresponding to the respective channel numbers.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel for indicating operating frequency of a receiver is operated by a circuit providing digital control signals and an alternating current signal.

Abstract: An electronic frequency indicator for an AM/FM receiver utilizing a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The intensity of the diodes is varied to achieve greater resolution for the number of diodes in the indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a tuned frequency of a tuner of a radio or television receiver, said tuner comprising a tank circuit employing a voltage controlled variable capacitance diode as a circuit element, which diode is supplied in a reverse direction with a scanning control voltage from a solid state potential memory device, which control voltage is set as a result of tuning of said tuner, said indicating apparatus comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a line, each illuminating the corresponding frequency indicating region out of a plurality of divided frequency indicating regions of a frequency band to be received by said receiver, said regions being arranged in succession to cover said frequency band, and a corresponding plurality of drivers responsive to said control voltage for energizing the corresponding light emitting diode for illuminating the corresponding frequency region to which said tuned frequency pertains.

Abstract: A frequency band selection switch and variable resistor assembly for one channel of a television tuner in which tuning is performed by varying a tuning voltage. A tuning shaft is connected to the slider of the variable resistor through a harmonic drive reduction gear assembly. A tuning scale is connected to the slider through a bored tuning scale shaft through which the tuning shaft coaxially extends. A bored switch shaft through which both the tuning and tuning scale shafts coaxially extend carries a movable contact of the band selection switch and a frequency band indicator. An assembly support member has a graduated dial associated with both the tuning scale and the frequency band indicator in a unitary manner.

Abstract: A receiver is disclosed for signal-seeking operation on a plurality of channels. The receiver uses power cycling of the RF amplifier stage, mixers, local oscillators and intermediate frequency amplifiers which is in synchrony with the electronic stepping switch used to sequence among the channels. The power which is cycled to these portions of the receiver passes in series through light emitting diode channel indicators.

Abstract: A combination UHF and VHF television tuner having a single detented selector shaft for individually selecting each one of the 82 UHF and VHF television channels and a single fine tuning shaft for providing memory fine tuning of channels in both the UHF and VHF bands. A single digital type channel indicator is used for precisely displaying at a single location the channel number of the UHF or VHF channel selected by the common selector shaft.

Abstract: A channel indicator device is disclosed in which a tuner for achieving station selection between VHF and UHF band television broadcastings is provided in association with a single channel selection shaft of the tuner, a switch for band selection is also provided in connection with the channel selection shaft, and an indicator in the type of a plural-unit indication is provided, the indicator having a numeral corresponding to a selected channel in response to the channel selection and a code corresponding to a selected one of the VHF and UHF bands. The indicator has provided with a plural-unit indication member consisting of a plurality of indication elements to form a numeral "8".

Abstract: In a tuning apparatus for a broadcast receiver having a voltage controlled variable frequency oscillator for generating a local frequency signal corresponding to a selected broadcasting station, and being provided with a phase locked loop including a reference signal oscillator, a variable frequency divider which receives the local frequency signal, usually through a prescaler, for further dividing the local frequency signal with a variable dividing ratio, and a frequency and phase comparator for comparing outputs of the reference signal oscillator and the variable frequency divider, respectively, and producing a corresponding control voltage which is applied through a low pass filter to the voltage controlled oscillator for determining the local frequency signal in dependence on the dividing ratio of the variable frequency divider; a dial member is provided with a scale calibrated to represent broadcast frequencies over a predetermined frequency band and cooperating with an indicator movable along the scale

Abstract: A radio or television receiver is selectively tunable to one of a number of carrier frequencies transmitted from distant broadcast stations and has a tuning indicator for displaying the frequency of a selected station. The indicator includes a station frequency encoder, having a plurality of sets of indicia representative of a plurality of frequencies of the broadcast stations, arranged to move, as the receiver is tuned, between a light source and the proximal end of a fiber optic bundle. The distal end of the fiber optic bundle is arranged on a display panel to illuminate segments of seven-bar numerical configuration in the form of a squared figure eight. When the receiver is tuned to a station, the indicia, corresponding to the frequency of the station, are aligned with the proximal ends of the fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a UHF tuner channel indicating device adapted for use in a television receiver. In this device, two drums which carry digits in the unit digit and tens digit, respectively, for indicating channel numbers, are placed coaxially with each other and rotatably, with the drum carrying the unit digits being placed inwardly of the other drum, said drums being coupled to a rotary device of a tuner, whereby one turn of the unit-digit carrying drum causes the tens digit carrying drum to rotate by one-tenth turn by means of an intermittent shifting mechanism, thereby indicating a channel number in two digits.

Abstract: A TV channel number indicator used for a TV tuner has first and second indicators with a rotation step-down gear mechanism interposed therebetween, first and second intermittent locking cams rotating with said indicators and forming parts of said gear mechanism, spring means being urged into contact with the peripheries of the cams to give intermittent locking rotation to the cams and to the indicators.

Abstract: A combination UHF and VHF television tuner having a single detented selector shaft for individually selecting each one of the 82 UHF and VHF television channels and a single fine tuning shaft for providing memory fine tuning of channels in both the UHF and VHF bands. A single digital type channel indicator is used for precisely displaying at a single location the channel number of the UHF or VHF channel selected by the common selector shaft. .Iadd.

Abstract: A compact dial indicator arrangement is provided for a UHF tuner of the type having a continuously variable main tuning shaft and a station selector shaft provided with detent means for establishing a separate detent position for each of the 70 television stations in the UHF band. An elongated strip of material bearing numbers corresponding to each one of the 70 UHF television stations is moved past a viewing position at which the selected channel numbers may be viewed by means interconnected with the detented selector shaft so that the number on the elongated strip corresponding to each stop position of the continuously variable main tuning shaft is automatically viewable at the viewing position in response to rotation of the selector shaft to each detented position thereof.