Xantech Corporation

Michael Stuart Robbins

Herbert E Seymour

Richard E May

An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

Interference resistant infrared extension system

A device that controls background music interspersed with commercial messages by using an unmodified Compact Disc (CD) player loaded with custom discs. The custom discs provide the music and commercial content, and inform the device of the rate at which the commercial messages should interrupt the music. Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals are employed to provide control signals to the device to inform it of the disc type, track end, and rate of interspersion of commercial messages. The CD player is controlled by either a wired or wireless remote.

Background music controller

A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating. The wafer device is particularly useful for remote control of home entertainment system devices, as it allows a controller to know if an item of equipment is operating.

Current sensing device

A remote control unit integrator console includes a console tray to hold a plurality of infrared remote control transmitter units of various sizes and shapes. The tray includes a front hood which houses a mechanism for transferring infrared signals from the control units toward the appliances to be controlled. In one embodiment the infrared transfer mechanism includes a set of reflectors capable of efficiently reflecting infrared energy. In another embodiment, the infrared transfer mechanism includes infrared photo detectors connected to amplifiers which drive either a set of infrared emitters positioned in a diverging array or a single infrared emitter mounted in such a manner as to be pivotable. In still another embodiment, the coded infrared signals from the infrared remote control units are converted to radio signals which are received and reconverted to coded infrared signals by receiver units close to the controlled appliances for control of the respective appliances.

Remote control unit integrator console

A pair of transducer units and a transmission line extend the operational range of an infrared remote control device that normally operates electrical or electromechanical apparatus such as a television channel selector. One transducer converts electrical signals into an infrared radiation pattern and is located adjacent the apparatus. The other transducer is located at any desired remote location linked by wire to the first transducer, and converts into electrical signals the infrared radiation pattern produced by the infrared remote control device. The first transducer includes an emitter in the form of an infrared light emitting diode, and the second transducer includes a sensor in the form of a photo diode. In certain applications, the transducers utilize the existing television cable.

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Michael Stuart Robbins