{
  "patent_number": "US 12734435",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Modules Can Activate Things in a Sequence",
  "original_title": "Sequentially operated modules",
  "summary": "This patent describes a system where an activation signal travels through connected modules, each activating an associated device after a delay before passing the signal to the next module.",
  "what_it_does": "The patent discloses a system of connected modules designed to control various devices, referred to as 'payloads'. An activation signal starts from a 'master module' which has a user-activated switch. This signal then travels from one module to the next. When a module receives the activation signal, it waits for a pre-set or random amount of time. After this delay, it activates its associated payload, and then, after another pre-set or random delay, it transmits the activation signal to the next connected module. The signal can move in one direction or bi-directionally, using a special module to change direction. For example, pressing a button on a master module could trigger a chain reaction: first, a light turns on, then a fan starts after a short pause, and finally, a speaker plays a sound.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover systems where all modules activate simultaneously without a sequential propagation of an activation signal.",
    "Does not cover systems where modules communicate wirelessly without a defined connection for signal propagation.",
    "Does not cover systems that activate payloads without an intermediate delay after receiving the activation signal.",
    "Does not cover systems where the activation signal's propagation direction cannot be reversed if two-way propagation is desired.",
    "Does not cover systems that do not use a master module with a user-activated switch to initiate the sequence."
  ],
  "filed": "2024-11-26",
  "granted": "2026-09-15",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": null,
  "holder_url": null,
  "inventors": [],
  "times_cited": 0,
  "tags": [
    "consumer_electronics",
    "software",
    "telecommunications",
    "mechanical",
    "automation",
    "robotics",
    "iot"
  ],
  "abstract": "Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734435/sequentially-operated-modules",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734435/sequentially-operated-modules/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734435",
  "relatedPatents": []
}