Wireless remote control [IP Corner]

Abstract

The original Flashmatic patent was filed May 6th 1955 and granted Sept 8 1959 to the Zenith Radio Corporation. Even in those days it took almost 4 years to work through the patent examination process to have a legally enforceable patent. As with older patents the '575 patent is very clear about the described invention: "It is a general object of this invention to provide a new and imporved remote control system which is simple and economical and yet which affords versatility and accuracy of control and adjustment." "It is a further object of the invention to provide a control system for a wave-signal receiver which may be actuated by means of a controllable light source; in other words, to provide a remote control system in which tuning or other characteristics are varied by means of a light beam."