Michael A Robbins

US Patent:

6728167, Apr 27, 2004

Filed:

Jun 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/589945

Inventors:

Michael S. Robbins - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Xantech Corporation - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

H04B 120

US Classification:

369 2, 369 4, 369 3008, 360 12, 381119

Abstract:

A device that controls background music interspersed with commercial messages by using an unmodified Compact Disc (CD) player loaded with custom discs. The custom discs provide the music and commercial content, and inform the device of the rate at which the commercial messages should interrupt the music. Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals are employed to provide control signals to the device to inform it of the disc type, track end, and rate of interspersion of commercial messages. The CD player is controlled by either a wired or wireless remote.

US Patent:

7194209, Mar 20, 2007

Filed:

Aug 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/646634

Inventors:

Michael Stuart Robbins - Los Angeles CA, US
Richard May - Camarillo CA, US

Assignee:

Xantech Corporation - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

H04B 10/00

US Classification:

398127, 398128, 398130

Abstract:

An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

US Patent:

20060007168, Jan 12, 2006

Filed:

Jun 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/861100

Inventors:

Michael Robbins - Los Angeles CA, US
Chester Wyche - Valencia CA, US
Victor Avendano - Burbank CA, US
Raymond Bond - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345173000

Abstract:

A control interface is disclosed that includes a display screen, a touch screen disposed on the display screen, a processor and a memory electrically connected to the display and the touch screen, and a bezel disposed over the touch screen. The bezel preferably includes a frame and a button disposed on the frame. The frame is preferably disposed over the touch screen such that at least part of the frame is disposed outside the perimeter of the touch screen. The button includes a touch pad, touch screen contact point and a lateral extension connecting the touch pad and contact point. Preferably, the button is positioned at least partially outside the perimeter of the touch screen such that pressing the button causes the contact point to contact the touch screen.

US Patent:

20060007169, Jan 12, 2006

Filed:

Jun 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/861225

Inventors:

Michael Robbins - Los Angeles CA, US
Chester Wyche - Valencia CA, US
Victor Avendano - Burbank CA, US
Raymond Bond - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345173000

Abstract:

A control interface is disclosed that includes a display screen, a touch screen disposed on the display screen, a processor and memory electrically connected to the display and the touch screen, and a bezel, which is of a particular type, disposed over the touch screen. The processor may be configured according to any one or more different types of bezels.

US Patent:

20060033720, Feb 16, 2006

Filed:

Jun 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/862186

Inventors:

Michael Robbins - Los Angeles CA, US
Chester Wyche - Valencia CA, US
Victor Avendano - Burbank CA, US
Raymond Bond - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345173000

Abstract:

A control interface is disclosed that includes a display screen, a touch screen disposed on the display screen, a processor electrically connected to the display and the touch screen, and a bezel disposed over the touch screen. The bezel preferably includes a plurality of buttons and a plug. The plug preferably projects from the bezel and contacts a socket connected to a processor, thereby communicating information via the socket to the processor regarding the bezel.

US Patent:

47094125, Nov 24, 1987

Filed:

Aug 26, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/900540

Inventors:

Herbert E. Seymour - Chatsworth CA
Michael S. Robbins - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Xantech Corporation - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

H04B 900

US Classification:

455603

Abstract:

A remote control unit integrator console includes a console tray to hold a plurality of infrared remote control transmitter units of various sizes and shapes. The tray includes a front hood which houses a mechanism for transferring infrared signals from the control units toward the appliances to be controlled. In one embodiment the infrared transfer mechanism includes a set of reflectors capable of efficiently reflecting infrared energy. In another embodiment, the infrared transfer mechanism includes infrared photo detectors connected to amplifiers which drive either a set of infrared emitters positioned in a diverging array or a single infrared emitter mounted in such a manner as to be pivotable. In still another embodiment, the coded infrared signals from the infrared remote control units are converted to radio signals which are received and reconverted to coded infrared signals by receiver units close to the controlled appliances for control of the respective appliances.

US Patent:

45092117, Apr 2, 1985

Filed:

May 16, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/494807

Inventors:

Michael S. Robbins - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Xantech Corporation - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

H04N 544

US Classification:

455603

Abstract:

A pair of transducer units and a transmission line extend the operational range of an infrared remote control device that normally operates electrical or electromechanical apparatus such as a television channel selector. One transducer converts electrical signals into an infrared radiation pattern and is located adjacent the apparatus. The other transducer is located at any desired remote location linked by wire to the first transducer, and converts into electrical signals the infrared radiation pattern produced by the infrared remote control device. The first transducer includes an emitter in the form of an infrared light emitting diode, and the second transducer includes a sensor in the form of a photo diode. In certain applications, the transducers utilize the existing television cable.

US Patent:

60811099, Jun 27, 2000

Filed:

Nov 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/965816

Inventors:

Herbert E. Seymour - Los Angeles CA
Michael S. Robbins - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Xantech Corporation - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

G01R 3300

US Classification:

324127

Abstract:

A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating. The wafer device is particularly useful for remote control of home entertainment system devices, as it allows a controller to know if an item of equipment is operating.