Battery module transceiver for extending the range of an infrared remote controller

• US 6,400,480 B1
• Filed: 07/13/2000
• Issued: 06/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Truett S. Thomas
• Original Assignee: Truett S. Thomas
• Inventors: Thomas, Truett S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pascal, Leslie
• Assistant Examiner(s): SEDIGHIAN, REZA
• Application Number:
  US09/615,180
• Time in Patent Office: 691 Days
• Field of Search: 359/152, 359/142, 359/145, 359/172, 340/636, 340/825.49
• US Class Current: 398/106
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/40 Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

A battery module transceiver for extending the operational range of an infrared remote controller is disclosed. The battery module transceiver comprises: a battery power supply received within the battery module transceiver which provides power for the infrared remote controller and a transceiver received within the battery module transceiver. The transceiver has a detector for detecting a radio frequency pulse accompanying a first infrared signal generated from the infrared remote controller and a transmitter for generating a radio frequency signal in response to the radio frequency pulse.

Claims

1. A device associated with an infrared remote controller which controls a controlled device, comprising:

a battery power supply and a transceiver received by the infrared remote controller; and

wherein

the transceiver includes a detector which detects a radio frequency signal accompanying the emission of an infrared signal generated by the infrared remote controller during control of the controlled device and which is representative of the infrared signal; and

a transmitter, in response to the radio frequency signal accompanying the emission of the infrared signal generated by the remote controller, which generates a radio frequency signal which is representative of the infrared signal.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transceiver further comprises an antenna from which the radio frequency signal which is representative of the infrared signal is radiated.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a housing having two compartments for respectively receiving the battery power supply and the transceiver therein.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing has two parts which are electrically connected to the battery power supply to respectively provide a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device fits in a battery chamber of the infrared remote controller.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery power supply is replaceable.

7. A device associated with an infrared remote controller which controls a controlled device, comprising:

a battery power supply and a transceiver received by the infrared remote controller; and

wherein

the transceiver includes means for detecting a radio frequency signal accompanying the emission of an infrared signal generated by the infrared remote controller during control of the controlled device and which is representative of the infrared signal; and

means for generating, in response to the radio frequency signal accompanying the emission of the infrared signal generated by the remote controller, a radio frequency signal which is representative of the infrared signal.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transceiver further comprises an antenna from which the radio frequency signal is transmitted.

9. The device as claimed in claim 7, comprising a housing having two compartments for respectively receiving the battery power supply and the transceiver therein.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing has two parts which are electrically connected to the battery power supply to respectively provide a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

11. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transceiver fits in a battery chamber of the infrared remote controller.

12. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the battery power supply is replaceable.