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:
Feb. 09, 1993
Filed:
Feb. 05, 1992
John W Van Horn, Harrison, AR (US);
Ralph H Carmen, Lebanon, NJ (US);
Duncan Industries Parking Control Systems Corp., Harrison, AK (US);
Abstract
A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The higher power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication wiht the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins. The circuit includes a low power drain feature which operates upon actuation of a switch to permit computation by the microprocessor at a slow rate.