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System for extending the effective operational range of an infrared remote control system

  • US 5,142,397 A
  • Filed: 07/08/1991
  • Issued: 08/25/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In combination with an infrared remote control system, an extender system for extending the effective operational range of said remote control system, said remote control system having a remote control unit with an infrared transmitter and a controlled device having an infrared receiver remote from the infrared transmitter, the remote control unit having a housing with an interior component compartment and a first infrared emitter at least partially contained within said compartment, said extender system comprising:

  • (a) a first repeater contained within said compartment physically adjacent said first infrared emitter, said repeater having(1) means for receiving a first infrared signal from said first infrared emitter and for generating a first electrical signal representative thereof,(2) means responsive to said first electrical signal for transmitting a first radio signal representative of said first electrical signal, and(b) a second repeater physically adjacent the controlled device having(1) means for receiving said first radio signal and for generating a second electrical signal representative thereof, and(2) means responsive to said second electrical signal for transmitting a second infrared signal representative thereof toward the controlled device;

    wherein said means for receiving said first infrared signal comprises an infrared photodetector;

    wherein said means for transmitting said second infrared signal comprises a second infrared emitter; and

    wherein a signal electrical power source electrically powers both the remote control unit and the repeater contained within said remote control unit.

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