The circuit that I posted before added in series with a resistor could be have some problems, the one is for TSOP1738 and the other is for CD4017, although I can't make sure that treating the load as current load will damaged or not, since you pointed out the voltage and current limitation problems, if I try to match that limitation issues maybe is a good idea, the new circuit had considering more weakness, if you still find out any problems, just point out.Leave the component values exactly as you had them in post #8.
With the Zener diode added, supply voltage for the TSOP1738 is 5.1 volts.
The current through R5 is (9V - 5.1V) / 820Ω = 4.75 mA.
The current drawn by the TSOP1738 is 0.8 mA maximum.
With the TSOP1738 output low, the current drawn by R1 and R2 together is approx. 0.5 mA.
The minimum current available for the Zener diode, therefore, is (4.75 mA - 0.8 mA - 0.5 mA) = 3.45 mA, which is quite sufficient.

