The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 24, 1984
Filed:
Aug. 10, 1981
Judson A Hofmann, Schaumburg, IL (US);
Paul A Snopko, Chicago, IL (US);
Zenith Radio Corporation, Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A television receiver comprises a television system energized by the powerlines of a commercial power grid, a telephone network access system including a microphone disposed in close proximity with the audio speaker of the television system and a remote control system enabling the receiver to be operated in a television mode or a telephone mode. The television receiver according to the invention is characterized by having an annunciator/intercom enabled for operation by the remote control system. In the annunciator mode, the audio section of the television system is disabled and the microphone is connected through a radio-frequency signal transmitter to the power lines for generating a radio-frequency signal for local transmission. A frequency-modulator is included for modulating the radio frequency signal. At least one remotely located radio-frequency receiver coupled to the power lines is provided for receiving and demodulating the radio-frequency signal and rendering audible television receiver user voice signals. The television receiver user can therefore announce a telephone caller when the television receiver is operated in the annunciator mode. Alternately, intercom units may be employed to provide a two-way intercom conversation link between the television receiver user and a remotely located called party.