Patent · US Expired

Token operated television timer

US5125492A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
11References
5Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 4, 1991
Grant dateJun 30, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 4, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F15/12
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A device to control the on/off operation of a television set. It is token activated with each of a number of tokens giving a fixed period of time. The device includes a case with a power cord, an electrical receptacle into which the television set power cord is plugged and secured, a token chute with a mechanism for detecting a passing token, and a token drawer with a lock. Inserted tokens are counted and periods of television time credited. Elapsed time is measured, and periods of elapsed time subtracted from credited time. The set is turned off when net credited time, which is displayed, becomes zero. There is a switch to turn off the set while retaining credited time. There is another switch to allow the set to be used without expending credited time.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.