Alarm clock
US5666331A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG04G15/006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An alarm clock controls the supply of electrical power to a first outlet mounted on the clock housing and receiving a plug-in external electrical device to periodically change the state of the electrical device in response to an alarm time signal. A second controllable outlet is also mounted on the housing for receiving a second plug-in external electrical device. Selectible steady or pulse power is provided to the second outlet. A receiver detects power line carrier signals on the incoming electrical power lines generated by a remote device in response to the occurrence of a sound producing event or other signal. The receiver causes the clock to supply power to either or both outlets depending on the position of a function switch in response to a detected power line carrier signal. An audible sound generator provides an audible alarm tone in response to an alarm signal. Frequency and volume controls selectively vary the frequency and volume of the audible alarm tone. A test button activates the outlets and audible sound generators to test proper operation and desired settings of the alarm clock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.