Radio solid state crescendo volume alarm
United States Patent 3900798
A solid state crescendo alarm system, in a preferred embodiment as a part of a clock radio, in the radio incorporated such that at a predetermined point in time the crescendo circuit is activated by opening the clock time alarm switch and thereafter the volume of the crescendo alarm system gradually increases up to the maximum at which the volume control had been set; the increase in volume is effected by feeding the volume control signal to a gate terminal of an n-channel field effect transistor of which the drain terminal is connected in series with the radio's first audio stage, and of which the transistor's gate source voltage is (upon activation of the radio-clock time alarm) gradually decreased by virtue of a control transistor switch, which transistor switch's base emitter junction receives an emitter junction from the drain terminal of another n-channel field effect transistor initiated by about 12 volts when the time alarm switch is closed. As the voltage is drained from the volume signal regulating transistor's gate, the transistor offers a decreasing resistance to the signal current flowing to the radio's first audio stage.
US Patent References:
By-pass volume control circuit for clock radios
Jones, Jr. - December 1967 - 3356949
ANALOG SIGNAL CONTROL SWITCH
Yokozawa et al. - January 1971 - 3558921
/3559072.html
Davisson - January 1971 - 3559072
DELAYED ALARM AND DROWSE FOR CLOCK RECEIVERS
Pyles - July 1974 - 3825836
By-pass volume control circuit for clock radios
Jones, Jr. - December 1967 - 3356949
ANALOG SIGNAL CONTROL SWITCH
Yokozawa et al. - January 1971 - 3558921
/3559072.html
Davisson - January 1971 - 3559072
DELAYED ALARM AND DROWSE FOR CLOCK RECEIVERS
Pyles - July 1974 - 3825836
Inventors:
Pomerantz, Alfred S. (Brooklyn, NY)
Andrassy, Imre A. (New York, NY)
Andrassy, Imre A. (New York, NY)
Application Number:
05/373035
Publication Date:
08/19/1975
Filing Date:
06/25/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Pomerantz, Alfred (Brooklyn, NY)
Primary Class:
International Classes:
G04G13/02; G04G13/00; H04B1/32
Field of Search:
325/395,396,397 340/384E 307/247R,251 179/1R,1VL
Primary Examiner:
Safourek, Benedict V.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Berger, Peter L.
Parent Case Data:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 134,950 filed Apr. 19, 1971.
Claims:
Having thus described certain forms of the invention in some detail, what is claimed is
1. An electronic crescendo system for changing the magnitude of an audio signal over a period of time to achieve a crescendo effect, said system comprising adjustable means for setting the maximum signal level to be produced, controlled means having an input and output, said input being connected to said adjustable means, amplifier means connected to the output of said controlled means, control means connected to said controlled means for gradually varying the level of the signal produced at said output of said controlled means for said period of time to produce an increasing audio level to achieve said crescendo effect, and time responsive means including switch means activated by said time responsive means for actuating said control means and said controlled means.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said controlled means comprises electronically controlled automatic variable impedance means, said variable impedance means being controlled to affect said crescendo effect.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said variable impedance means comprises a field effect transistor.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said field effect transistor comprises a symmetrical construction.
5. A device according to claim 2, wherein said crescendo system is incorporated in a radio system having a volume control means and an audio input stage, said adjustable means for setting the maximum signal level comprising said volume control means.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said variable impedance means comprises a field effect transistor operated in its pinch-off region, the source of said field effect transistor being connected to said volume control and the drain of said field effect transistor being connected to said audio input stage.
7. A device according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises a transistor switch normally maintained in an off state, said transistor switch being gated on, a capacitor connected to said transistor to control the conduction of said transistor for changing the value of said variable impedance means.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said crescendo system is incorporated in a conventional clock radio, said clock radio having clock switch means responsive to the time of day, said time responsive means comprising such clock switch means responsive to the time of day.
1. An electronic crescendo system for changing the magnitude of an audio signal over a period of time to achieve a crescendo effect, said system comprising adjustable means for setting the maximum signal level to be produced, controlled means having an input and output, said input being connected to said adjustable means, amplifier means connected to the output of said controlled means, control means connected to said controlled means for gradually varying the level of the signal produced at said output of said controlled means for said period of time to produce an increasing audio level to achieve said crescendo effect, and time responsive means including switch means activated by said time responsive means for actuating said control means and said controlled means.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said controlled means comprises electronically controlled automatic variable impedance means, said variable impedance means being controlled to affect said crescendo effect.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said variable impedance means comprises a field effect transistor.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said field effect transistor comprises a symmetrical construction.
5. A device according to claim 2, wherein said crescendo system is incorporated in a radio system having a volume control means and an audio input stage, said adjustable means for setting the maximum signal level comprising said volume control means.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said variable impedance means comprises a field effect transistor operated in its pinch-off region, the source of said field effect transistor being connected to said volume control and the drain of said field effect transistor being connected to said audio input stage.
7. A device according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises a transistor switch normally maintained in an off state, said transistor switch being gated on, a capacitor connected to said transistor to control the conduction of said transistor for changing the value of said variable impedance means.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said crescendo system is incorporated in a conventional clock radio, said clock radio having clock switch means responsive to the time of day, said time responsive means comprising such clock switch means responsive to the time of day.
Description:
This invention is directed to a solid state crescendo alarm, and in particular, to a radio-clock incorporating as a part of its circuitry, the crescendo alarm.
Prior to this invention, crescendo alarms of clock radio circuits made use of mechanical mechanisms such as typically illustrated by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,167 to Goldwasser, which patent discloses a mechanically controlled volume control rheostat operable by a motor drive. Although such a system accomplishes the desired crescendo effect, such a system is merely typical of the systems over which the present invention improves.
An object of this invention is a solid state crescendo device avoiding the cost, the labor of manufacture, the maintenance, the inevitable failures, the large size, and the like, associated necessarily with mechanical mechanisms, such as motor, revolving wheels, shafts, essential oiling, etc., characteristic thereof.
Another object is a solid state crescendo device of an uncomplicated circuitry, incorporating advantages such as ease and low cost of manufacture, repair, as well as the possibility of miniature size, sturdiness against breakage and/or fracture of the circuit and/or its components, and the like.
Another object is a particular circuitry which, in addition to the preceding objects, achieves the desired crescendo effect.
Another object is, alone and/or in combination with any one or more of the preceding objects, a solid state crescendo device including as a part of its circuitry combination, a clock radio having a time alarm switch for initiating the crescendo part of the circuit.
Another object is, alone and/or in combination with any one or more of the preceding objects, a radio as a part thereof, in which the crescendo part of the circuit acts to decrease directly the resistance offered by a transistor to volume signal flow through the transistor, whereby volume is increased proportionally.
Other objects are apparent from the figures and the above and following disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a fractional part of a circuit of the type normally incorporated into conventional clock radios, such as, typically, a Japanese TOYO (trade mark) Model 10 F-4H circuit, for example; the circuit of FIG. 1 discloses typically the point of incorporation of the crescendo circuit of the invention, as identified within the box-like circumscribing broken lines of rectangular box shape.
FIG. 2 discloses in depth the crescendo circuitry which in FIG. 1 is disclosed merely as the rectangular box.
Broadly, the invention is directed to an electronic solid state crescendo device which may include, as a part of its circuitry, any of a multitude of possible machines such as clocks, clock radios, any rheostat device, vault locks, cut-on switches for building heating systems, or cut-off switches for such heating systems, preparatory for the forthcoming business day and/or the ending of the business day, burglar alarms, on/off switches, similar light control switches for turning on and/or off advertising signs' lights, or the like.
The great utility of the invention lies not only in particular combinations, but also, particularly in uncomplicated solid-state circuitry of the invention, as well as the solid state nature thereof. In particular, an n-channel field effect transistor connected for flow of the "signal to be controlled" from the source terminal through the transistor and out by way of the drain terminal of the transistor, gradually increases flow of the signal through the transistor as transistor resistance to current flow decreases by virtue of a gradually decreasing voltage on the transistor's gate. The gradual reduction of the positive gate voltage is achieved by draining to a ground through a control transistor switch which increasingly permits voltage reduction therethrough as the control transistor's base element is subjected to an ever-increasing signal from a second drain terminal of a second n-channel field effect transistor; the gate of the second field effect transistor (FET) is activated by voltage, such as the illustrated 12 volts, for example, when the time alarm switch is closed. The crescendo effect is achieved by virtue of a capacitor in series between the second FET's gate and the control transistor's collection element.
In at least the radio-combination embodiment, as well as in other similar type circuitry, the imparting of the crescendo action to the "signal to be controlled," such as the volume control signal, is made possible while concurrently maintaining isolation of the FET, by the employment of two capacitors, one before the FET and one after the FET, in series with the FET between the radio circuit's volume control electrical signal output terminal and the radio's signal-receiving terminal of the radio first audio stage.
A preferred embodiment of this invention is a crescendo device which incorporates as a part of its circuitry a radio clock having a timing alarm of any desired or conventional type. Similarly, the radio incorporated as a part thereof may be any of desired and/or conventional circuits.
As a mere illustration of at least one complete radio clock alarm-crescendo device of this invention, reference may be made to FIG. 1. This illustrative preferred embodiment also serves to illustrate the typical manner in which the crescendo circuitry fits in (is wired) with the radio circuitry of a complex type -- the illustrated circuit being an AM and FM radio.
In reference to FIG. 2, the figure illustrates a part of a complete radio-clock crescendo-alarm circuit, however, the crescendo circuitry being merely represented by a brokenline rectangular box designated to be crescendo circuitry.
It can more clearly be seen that the radio volume control, rheostat volume-control terminal is the site connected to the source terminal 1 of the FET 2, while the drain terminal 3 is connected to the terminal x 7 of the radio circuit. Intermediate between, and in series, the terminal 1 and volume control, rheostat volume-control terminal is mounted a 0.5 microfared capacitor 20. In series between the FET 2, drain 3 and the x 7 terminal is mounted a 1.0 microfared capacitor 21.
When the illustrated SW 2 switch is in the "on" position, the positive voltage on the FET gate 4 is about (plus) 10 volts. The gate 4 is connected to a variable resistor (rheostat) 5 of about 5 × 10 ohms, which in turn is connected to the collection element 6 of the control transistor switch 7 having its emitter 8 connected to ground. Potentiometer 23 of 4.7 × 10 3 ohms resistance is mounted in series between collector 6 and voltage source 13. The switch 7 opens (by virtue of resistance to current flow from collection element 6 to emitter 8) as (and directly proportional to) a signal builds up at the base 9 of switch 7.
The buildup of signal at base 9 is dependent upon the extent to which resistance to flow of current has been reduced through FET 10 of current from 12V power supply 13 to source terminal 11 through FET 10 to drain terminal 12, the degree of reduced resistance being dependent upon the intensity of signal at gate 14. Although the signal intensity at gate 14 is predetermined by the resistor 15 of 18 × 10 3 ohms, thereafter the signal continues to increase at gate 14 as a result of the capacitor 16.
The FET 10 drain 12 is connected to ground through a variable resistor 17 of up to 500 ohms and a fixed resistance resistor 18 of about 12 ohms. Rheostat 5 is connected directly to ground through fixed resistance resistor 19 of about 1.8 × 10 3 ohms. The SW 1 switch is illustrated in the closed position; when this switch is opened by the action of a time alarm 22, the initial activating signal is first received at gate 14 of FET 10.
In the light of the preceding disclosure, obvious modification to equivalent circuitry for a common function is within the scope of this invention.
The timer or clock, at a predetermined time, opens SW 1 switch which is normally closed. The gate 14 of FET 10 is held at zero volts until switch SW 1 is released by a clock operated timer. At this instant, the current which previously was going to ground now flows to gate 14. The 18 M resistor 15 is on the discharge path of 44 MF capacitor 16. The capacitor 16 is charged up when the circuit is not operating; however, when switch SW 1 is opened, the capacitor 16 will discharge and turn on the switch of FET 10, whereby in the "on" stage, the FET 10 will conduct. Drain 12 of FET 10 becomes sufficiently positive to turn on control switch 7. As the capacitor 16 is discharging, it will turn FET 10 higher and higher, and the drain 12 will also be of a higher and higher signal. FET 10 output goes to base 9, and as this happens, the voltage at the collector element 6 of switch 7 will begin to decrease from plus-10 volts where it normally stands. FET 2 is normally operated in the pinch-off region over plus-4 volts gate 4 source 1 potential. As the ramp (voltage-rundown) approaches the pinch off region of FET 2, it gradually turns on potentiometer 23 and resistor 14. Resistor 5 forms a voltage divider which controls the level at which FET 2 turns on. When the collector 6 voltage decreases to plus-4 volts, FET 2 will turn on, allowing a signal to be coupled through from the volume control output terminal to the first audio stage in the radio. FET 2 is normally off when its gate 4 voltage is in excess of plus-4 volts.
As set forth previously, the crescendo effect is generated by turning on FET 2 harder and harder. Switch 7 turns on FET 2 when voltage of collector 6 is decreased to plus-4 voltage; as the collector 6 voltage keeps on going down, FET 2 output will be higher and higher. When the collector 6 voltage reaches its final level closest to ground, FET 2 has the minimum resistance and the highest output, which will be equal more or less to the level set on the radio's volume control.
The terms and expressions which are employed are used as terms of description; it is recognized, though, that various modifications are possible.
Prior to this invention, crescendo alarms of clock radio circuits made use of mechanical mechanisms such as typically illustrated by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,167 to Goldwasser, which patent discloses a mechanically controlled volume control rheostat operable by a motor drive. Although such a system accomplishes the desired crescendo effect, such a system is merely typical of the systems over which the present invention improves.
An object of this invention is a solid state crescendo device avoiding the cost, the labor of manufacture, the maintenance, the inevitable failures, the large size, and the like, associated necessarily with mechanical mechanisms, such as motor, revolving wheels, shafts, essential oiling, etc., characteristic thereof.
Another object is a solid state crescendo device of an uncomplicated circuitry, incorporating advantages such as ease and low cost of manufacture, repair, as well as the possibility of miniature size, sturdiness against breakage and/or fracture of the circuit and/or its components, and the like.
Another object is a particular circuitry which, in addition to the preceding objects, achieves the desired crescendo effect.
Another object is, alone and/or in combination with any one or more of the preceding objects, a solid state crescendo device including as a part of its circuitry combination, a clock radio having a time alarm switch for initiating the crescendo part of the circuit.
Another object is, alone and/or in combination with any one or more of the preceding objects, a radio as a part thereof, in which the crescendo part of the circuit acts to decrease directly the resistance offered by a transistor to volume signal flow through the transistor, whereby volume is increased proportionally.
Other objects are apparent from the figures and the above and following disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a fractional part of a circuit of the type normally incorporated into conventional clock radios, such as, typically, a Japanese TOYO (trade mark) Model 10 F-4H circuit, for example; the circuit of FIG. 1 discloses typically the point of incorporation of the crescendo circuit of the invention, as identified within the box-like circumscribing broken lines of rectangular box shape.
FIG. 2 discloses in depth the crescendo circuitry which in FIG. 1 is disclosed merely as the rectangular box.
Broadly, the invention is directed to an electronic solid state crescendo device which may include, as a part of its circuitry, any of a multitude of possible machines such as clocks, clock radios, any rheostat device, vault locks, cut-on switches for building heating systems, or cut-off switches for such heating systems, preparatory for the forthcoming business day and/or the ending of the business day, burglar alarms, on/off switches, similar light control switches for turning on and/or off advertising signs' lights, or the like.
The great utility of the invention lies not only in particular combinations, but also, particularly in uncomplicated solid-state circuitry of the invention, as well as the solid state nature thereof. In particular, an n-channel field effect transistor connected for flow of the "signal to be controlled" from the source terminal through the transistor and out by way of the drain terminal of the transistor, gradually increases flow of the signal through the transistor as transistor resistance to current flow decreases by virtue of a gradually decreasing voltage on the transistor's gate. The gradual reduction of the positive gate voltage is achieved by draining to a ground through a control transistor switch which increasingly permits voltage reduction therethrough as the control transistor's base element is subjected to an ever-increasing signal from a second drain terminal of a second n-channel field effect transistor; the gate of the second field effect transistor (FET) is activated by voltage, such as the illustrated 12 volts, for example, when the time alarm switch is closed. The crescendo effect is achieved by virtue of a capacitor in series between the second FET's gate and the control transistor's collection element.
In at least the radio-combination embodiment, as well as in other similar type circuitry, the imparting of the crescendo action to the "signal to be controlled," such as the volume control signal, is made possible while concurrently maintaining isolation of the FET, by the employment of two capacitors, one before the FET and one after the FET, in series with the FET between the radio circuit's volume control electrical signal output terminal and the radio's signal-receiving terminal of the radio first audio stage.
A preferred embodiment of this invention is a crescendo device which incorporates as a part of its circuitry a radio clock having a timing alarm of any desired or conventional type. Similarly, the radio incorporated as a part thereof may be any of desired and/or conventional circuits.
As a mere illustration of at least one complete radio clock alarm-crescendo device of this invention, reference may be made to FIG. 1. This illustrative preferred embodiment also serves to illustrate the typical manner in which the crescendo circuitry fits in (is wired) with the radio circuitry of a complex type -- the illustrated circuit being an AM and FM radio.
In reference to FIG. 2, the figure illustrates a part of a complete radio-clock crescendo-alarm circuit, however, the crescendo circuitry being merely represented by a brokenline rectangular box designated to be crescendo circuitry.
It can more clearly be seen that the radio volume control, rheostat volume-control terminal is the site connected to the source terminal 1 of the FET 2, while the drain terminal 3 is connected to the terminal x 7 of the radio circuit. Intermediate between, and in series, the terminal 1 and volume control, rheostat volume-control terminal is mounted a 0.5 microfared capacitor 20. In series between the FET 2, drain 3 and the x 7 terminal is mounted a 1.0 microfared capacitor 21.
When the illustrated SW 2 switch is in the "on" position, the positive voltage on the FET gate 4 is about (plus) 10 volts. The gate 4 is connected to a variable resistor (rheostat) 5 of about 5 × 10 ohms, which in turn is connected to the collection element 6 of the control transistor switch 7 having its emitter 8 connected to ground. Potentiometer 23 of 4.7 × 10 3 ohms resistance is mounted in series between collector 6 and voltage source 13. The switch 7 opens (by virtue of resistance to current flow from collection element 6 to emitter 8) as (and directly proportional to) a signal builds up at the base 9 of switch 7.
The buildup of signal at base 9 is dependent upon the extent to which resistance to flow of current has been reduced through FET 10 of current from 12V power supply 13 to source terminal 11 through FET 10 to drain terminal 12, the degree of reduced resistance being dependent upon the intensity of signal at gate 14. Although the signal intensity at gate 14 is predetermined by the resistor 15 of 18 × 10 3 ohms, thereafter the signal continues to increase at gate 14 as a result of the capacitor 16.
The FET 10 drain 12 is connected to ground through a variable resistor 17 of up to 500 ohms and a fixed resistance resistor 18 of about 12 ohms. Rheostat 5 is connected directly to ground through fixed resistance resistor 19 of about 1.8 × 10 3 ohms. The SW 1 switch is illustrated in the closed position; when this switch is opened by the action of a time alarm 22, the initial activating signal is first received at gate 14 of FET 10.
In the light of the preceding disclosure, obvious modification to equivalent circuitry for a common function is within the scope of this invention.
The timer or clock, at a predetermined time, opens SW 1 switch which is normally closed. The gate 14 of FET 10 is held at zero volts until switch SW 1 is released by a clock operated timer. At this instant, the current which previously was going to ground now flows to gate 14. The 18 M resistor 15 is on the discharge path of 44 MF capacitor 16. The capacitor 16 is charged up when the circuit is not operating; however, when switch SW 1 is opened, the capacitor 16 will discharge and turn on the switch of FET 10, whereby in the "on" stage, the FET 10 will conduct. Drain 12 of FET 10 becomes sufficiently positive to turn on control switch 7. As the capacitor 16 is discharging, it will turn FET 10 higher and higher, and the drain 12 will also be of a higher and higher signal. FET 10 output goes to base 9, and as this happens, the voltage at the collector element 6 of switch 7 will begin to decrease from plus-10 volts where it normally stands. FET 2 is normally operated in the pinch-off region over plus-4 volts gate 4 source 1 potential. As the ramp (voltage-rundown) approaches the pinch off region of FET 2, it gradually turns on potentiometer 23 and resistor 14. Resistor 5 forms a voltage divider which controls the level at which FET 2 turns on. When the collector 6 voltage decreases to plus-4 volts, FET 2 will turn on, allowing a signal to be coupled through from the volume control output terminal to the first audio stage in the radio. FET 2 is normally off when its gate 4 voltage is in excess of plus-4 volts.
As set forth previously, the crescendo effect is generated by turning on FET 2 harder and harder. Switch 7 turns on FET 2 when voltage of collector 6 is decreased to plus-4 voltage; as the collector 6 voltage keeps on going down, FET 2 output will be higher and higher. When the collector 6 voltage reaches its final level closest to ground, FET 2 has the minimum resistance and the highest output, which will be equal more or less to the level set on the radio's volume control.
The terms and expressions which are employed are used as terms of description; it is recognized, though, that various modifications are possible.