Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Recording or reproducing for automatic announcing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-27
2002-06-11
Hudspeth, David (Department: 2651)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Recording or reproducing for automatic announcing
C360S005000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06404569
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a light switch having an audio recording feature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a single unit cover plate for a light switch which can replay one or more audio samples when the light switch is turned on or off. The device may have recording capability.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various devices exist which play an audio recording upon performance of a certain action. For example, it has become common for automobiles to play a recording when the lights are left on after the key has been removed, or when a door is ajar after the key is inserted; see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,947,812; 4,222,028; 4,346,364; 4,383,241; and 4,839,749.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,938,120 and 4,100,581 disclose devices which attach to a door and which play a tape upon movement of the door. U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,060 is similar, but further activates an automatic telephone answering machine to playback a prerecorded message upon operation of a doorbell.
None of these devices, however, permit the user to record a message which plays back upon activation or deactivation so a light swatch. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a device.
Another object is to provide a device which can record multiple messages or audio samples, and play them back in serial fashion.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which can record multiple messages or audio samples, and play them back in random order.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a switch plate for a light switch which supports components to permit replay of audio samples after the light switch is turned on or off. The cover plate being retrofittable to an existing light switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the present invention in which a switch plate cover for a light switch is provided and contains an audio assembly which will play a message through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. There can be different messages for the on or off positions, or several messages in serial fashion. The messages can be prerecorded using the speaker as a microphone and controlled by a separate switch in the assembly.
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Bachschmid David E.
Smallwood Robert C.
BP Holdings, LLC
Hudspeth David
Whitham Curtis & Christofferson, P.C.
Wong K.
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