US3553444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Absorbance and concentration computer
Assignee: T AND T Tech Inc
•
Filing: 1968-07-02
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Granted: 1971-01-05
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Expires: 1988-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A system which provides digital readout representative of the transmittance, absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectromittance of the sample. The system can be selectively operated to show the desired characteristic of the sample in digital form. If the absorbance is to be displayed, the spectrophotometer output signal is fed through a circuit which provides a log function to convert the transmittance characteristic to an absorbance characteristic in accordance with Beer''s law. The output signal of the log function circuit is fed to a digital system which includes an analogue to digital converter coupled to an averaging system. A timing control circuit including a selective delay circuit and a master flip-flop is utilized to control the output of the analogue to digital converter and the averaging system. The averaging system is coupled to a digital readout device for displaying the absorbance in digital form. If the concentration characteristic of the sample is to be displayed, the output of the log function circuit is fed to a curvature control circuit. The curvature control circuit can act to modify the output of the log function circuit to correct for deviation from linearity of the output of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer if the sample has high absorbance. The output of the curvature control circuit is fed to the above-described digital system for displaying the concentration in digital form.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter P Tong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/28; G01J3/42; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/27; G06; G06F; G06F17/00; G06F17/10; G06F17/18; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/24; G06G7/48; G06G7/75; H; H03; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/02; H03K3/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function which comprises: an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter to initiate flow of output pulses, means for providing to said converter a voltage representative of said function, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to the representative voltage input, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to the event signals fOr providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
202 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function which comprises: an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter to initiate flow of output pulses, means for providing to said converter a voltage representative of said function, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to the representative voltage input, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to the event signals fOr providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function as described in claim 1, in which said pulse train dividing means is a first binary-counting device comprising a first 2-counter, a first 4-counter, a first 8-counter and a first 16-counter; and said counting means is a second binary-counting device comprising a second 2-counter, a second 4-counter, a second 8-counter and a second 16-counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function as described in claim 2, including first switching means for selectively coupling a first counter to said digital readout means, and second switching means for selectively coupling a second corresponding counter to said switching signal-receiving means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function as described in claim 2, including means for clearing said first and second binary counting devices.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function as described in claim 1 wherein said switching signal-receiving means comprises a flip-flop, the output of said counting means being connected to an input of said flip-flop whereby the state of said flip-flop will change upon receipt of said switching signal, and means coupling the flip-flop output to said analogue-to-digital converter whereby said pulse train output is controlled by said flip-flop.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system for computing the average value of a possibly variable function as described in claim 5, in which said pulse train dividing means is a first binary-counting device comprising a first 2-counter, a first 4-counter, a first 8-counter and a first 16-counter; and said counting means is a second binary-counting device comprising a second 2-counter, a second 4-counter, a second 8-counter and a 16-counter.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
220 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, first variable resistance means for modifying an input signal thereto, means coupling said variable resistance means to the output of said amplifier means, said coupling means comprising a circuit for controlling the graphical representation of the output voltage of said amplifier means, said circuit including means for providing a reference potential, means for comparing said amplifier means output voltage with said reference potential, switching means coupled to the output of said comparing means, and second variable resistance means connected to said switching means and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said switching means whereby the output voltage of said controlling circuit is modified in response to a predetermined relationship between said output voltage of said amplifier means and said reference potential, and means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said amplifier means output and the output of said variable resistance means to a readout device.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
220 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, first variable resistance means for modifying an input signal thereto, means coupling said variable resistance means to the output of said amplifier means, said coupling means comprising a circuit for controlling the graphical representation of the output voltage of said amplifier means, said circuit including means for providing a reference potential, means for comparing said amplifier means output voltage with said reference potential, switching means coupled to the output of said comparing means, and second variable resistance means connected to said switching means and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said switching means whereby the output voltage of said controlling circuit is modified in response to a predetermined relationship between said output voltage of said amplifier means and said reference potential, and means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said amplifier means output and the output of said variable resistance means to a readout device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzeD by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 7, in which said selective coupling means includes a first switch contact connected to said amplifier means output, a second switch contact connected to the output of said first variable resistance means, and a switch for selective engagement with one of said first switch contact and said second switch contact.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 7, in which said amplifier means comprises a matched pair of transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
120 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 9, in which said switching means includes a transistor the base of which is coupled to the output of said comparing means whereby the output current of said transitor is responsive to the output of said comparing means, a relay the contacts of which are actuable in response to the output current of said transistor, said second variable resistance means being connected to said relay contacts and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said relay contacts.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
145 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a s ample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 7, in which said amplifier means comprises a first transistor and a second transistor, the emitter of said first transistor being directly connected to the emitter of said second transistor, the base of said first transistor being directly connected to the collector of said first transistor, the base of said second transistor being connected to ground, means for coupling said spectrophotometer output to the emitters of said transistors, and output modifying means coupled to the collector of said first transistor, the current in the collector of said first transistor having a logarithmic relationship with respect to the base to emitter voltage of said second transistor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
114 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 7, in which said switching means includes a transistor the base of which is coupled to the output of said comparing means whereby the output current of said comparing means, a relay the contacts of which are actuable in response to the output current of said transistor, said second variable resistance means being connected to said relay contacts and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said relay contacts.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
82 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 12, including a zener diode connected in the emitter circuit of said transistor, said transistor enabling passage of sufficient current to energize said relay when the output voltage of said comparing means is sufficient to provide the breakdown voltage of said zener diode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
238 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 7, wherein said readout device includes an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter to initiate flow of output pulses, said selective coupling means being connected to an input of said converter, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to the representative voltage input from said selective coupling means, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to the event signals for providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
97 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 14, wherein said switching signal receiving means comprises a flip-flop, the output of said counting means being connected to an input of said flip-flop whereby the state of said flip-flop will change upon receipt of said switching signal, and means coupling the flip-flop output to said analogue-to-digital converter whereby said pulse train output is controlled by said flip-flop.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 15, in which said amplifier means comprises a pair of matched transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
88 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 14, in which said pulse train dividing means is a first binary-counting device comprising a first 2-counter, a first 4-counter, a first 8-counter and a first 16-counter; said counting means is a second binary-counting device comprising a second 2-counter, a second 4-counter, a second 8-counter, and a second 16-counter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 14, in which said logarithmic means comprises a pair of matched transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector current.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
119 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 14, in which said switching means includes a transIstor the base of which is coupled to the output of said comparing means whereby the output current of said transistor is responsive to the output of said comparing means, a relay the contacts of which are actuable in response to the output current of said transistor, said second resistance means being connected to said relay contacts and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said relay contacts.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said logarithmic means, means for modifying the voltage output of said amplifier means, output indicia means for enabling viewing of a representation of said modified output voltage, said output indicia means having a first input and a second input and being operable to produce the desired output only when a predetermined signal is provided at said first input means for coupling said modified output voltage to said second input, means for providing said predetermined signal at said first input; and a delay circuit coupling said predetermined signal providing means to said first input.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said logarithmic means, means for modifying the voltage output of said amplifier means, output indicia means for enabling viewing of a representation of said modified output voltage, said output indicia means having a first input and a second input and being operable to produce the desired output only when a predetermined signal is provided at said first input means for coupling said modified output voltage to said second input, means for providing said predetermined signal at said first input; and a delay circuit coupling said predetermined signal providing means to said first input.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
167 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 20, wherein said delay circuit comprises first second and third gate means, means for supplying current to said first gate means, said first gate means being coupled to said second gate means by a capacitor, means for providing current to said second gate means, means for supplying charging current to said capacitor, said third gate means being responsive to the current output of said second gate means and being connected in a feedback circuit between the output of said second gate means and the input of said first gate means, said third gate means acting to hold said first gate means to block passage of current through said first gate means until said capacitor reaches a predetermined charge, the output of said first gate means being coupled to said first input.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
71 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as c described in claim 21, in which said amplifier means comprises a matched pair of transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 21, in which said first gate means comprises a first AND gate, said second gate comprising a transistor the base of which is coupled to the output of said first AND gate by a capacitor, the output of said third gate means being connected to one of the inputs of said first gate.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 20, in which said amplifier means comprises a matched pair of transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which Has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 24, wherein said output indicia means includes an analogue-to-digital converter having said first input and said second input.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
144 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 20, in which said amplifier means comprises a first transistor and a matched second transistor, the emitter of said first transistor being directly connected to the emitter of said second transistor, the base of said first transistor being directly connected to the collector of said first transistor, the base of said second transistor being connected to ground, means for coupling said spectrophotometer output signal to the emitters of said transistors, and said voltage output-modifying means being coupled to the collector of said first transistor, the current in the collector of said first transistor being logarithmically proportional to the differential of the base to emitter voltages of both transistors.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 20, wherein said output indicia means includes an analogue-to-digital converter having said first input and said second input.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
225 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 20, wherein said output indicia means include an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter to initiate flow of output pulses, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to the representative voltage input from said predetermined signal providing means, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to the event signals for providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
94 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 28, wherein said switching signal receiving means comprises a flip-flop, the output of said counting means being connected to an input of said flip-flop whereby the state of said flip-flop will change upon receipt of said switching signal, and means coupling the flip-flop output to said analogue-to-digital converter whereby said pulse train output is controlled by said flip-flop.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
71 words
A system for providing output indicia representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has bee n analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 28, in which said amplifier means comprises a pair of matched transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relatIonship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
288 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, first resistance means for modifying an input signal thereto coupled to the output of said logarithmic means, means coupling said first resistance means to the output of said amplifier means, said coupling means comprising a circuit for controlling the graphical representation of the output voltage of said logarithmic means, said circuit including means for providing a reference potential, means for comparing said amplifier means output voltage with said reference potential, switching means responsible to the output of said comparing means, and second resistance means connected to said switching means and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said switching means whereby the output voltage of said coupling circuit means is modified in response to a predetermined relationship between said output voltage of said amplifier means and said reference potential, output indicia means for enabling viewing of a representation of a selected output signal, said output indicia means having a first input and a second input and being operable to produce the desired output only when a predetermined signal is provided at said first input, means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said first resistance means to said second input, means for providing said predetermined signal to said first input, and a delay circuit coupling said predetermined signal providing means to said first input.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
288 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, first resistance means for modifying an input signal thereto coupled to the output of said logarithmic means, means coupling said first resistance means to the output of said amplifier means, said coupling means comprising a circuit for controlling the graphical representation of the output voltage of said logarithmic means, said circuit including means for providing a reference potential, means for comparing said amplifier means output voltage with said reference potential, switching means responsible to the output of said comparing means, and second resistance means connected to said switching means and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said switching means whereby the output voltage of said coupling circuit means is modified in response to a predetermined relationship between said output voltage of said amplifier means and said reference potential, output indicia means for enabling viewing of a representation of a selected output signal, said output indicia means having a first input and a second input and being operable to produce the desired output only when a predetermined signal is provided at said first input, means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said first resistance means to said second input, means for providing said predetermined signal to said first input, and a delay circuit coupling said predetermined signal providing means to said first input.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
171 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 3, in which said delay circuit comprises first, second and third gate means, means for supplying current to said first gate means, said first gate means being coupled to said second gate means by a capacitor, means for providing current to said second gate means, means for supplying charging current to said capacitor, said third gate means being responsive to the current output of said second gate means and being connected in a feedback circuit between the output of said second gate means and the input of said first gate means, said third gate means acting to hold said first gate means to block passage of current through said first gate means until said capacitor reaches a predetermined charge, the output of said first gate means being coupled to said first input.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 32, wherein said output indicia means includes an analogue-to-digital converter having said first input and said second input.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, as described in claim 31, in which said amplifier means comprises a matched pair of transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector current.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
119 words
A system for providing selective output signals representAtive of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 31, in which said switching means includes a transistor the base of which is coupled to the output of said comparing means whereby the output current of said transistor is responsive to the output of said comparing means, a relay the contacts of which are actuable in response to the output current of said transistor, said second resistance means being connected to said relay contacts and adapted for insertion in said circuit in response to actuation of said relay contacts.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
83 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 35, including a zener diode connected in the emitter circuit of said transistor, said transistor enabling passage of sufficient current to energize said relay only when the output voltage of said comparing means is sufficient to provide the breakdown voltage of said zener diode.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system for providing selective output signals representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 31, wherein said output indicia means includes an analogue-to-digital converter having said first input and said second input.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
255 words
A system for po providing digital readout representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, means for modifying the voltage output of said amplifier means to provide an output signal representative of said absorbance characteristic, an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to said absorbance representative output signal, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to said event signals for providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating e means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
255 words
A system for po providing digital readout representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear input voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, means for modifying the voltage output of said amplifier means to provide an output signal representative of said absorbance characteristic, an analogue-to-digital converter, means for actuating said converter, said converter providing pulse train outputs with each train of pulses being proportional in number to said absorbance representative output signal, said converter having means for providing an output event signal with the end of each pulse train, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means responsive to the output of said converter and responsive to said event signals for providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, gating e means for receiving said switching signal and operating to terminate flow of pulses, and digital readout means coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
94 words
A system for providing digital readout representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 38, wherein said switching signal receiving means comprises a flip-flop, the output of said counting means being connected to an input of said flip-flop whereby the state of said flip-flop will change upon receipt of said switching signal, and means coupling the flip-flop output to said analogue-to-digital converter whereby said pulse train output is controlled by said flip-flop.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system for providing digital readout representative of the absorbance characteristic of a saMple which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 38, in which said amplifier means comprises a pair of matched transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector currents.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
85 words
A system for providing digital readout representative of the absorbance characteristic of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 38, in which said pulse train dividing means is a first binary-counting device comprising a first 2-counter, a first 4-counter, a first 8-counter and a first 16-counter; said counting means is a second binary-counting device comprising a second 2-counter, a second 4-counter, a second 8-counter and a second 16-counter.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
181 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, curvature control circuit means coupled to the output of said amplifier means for controlling the output of said amplifier means, an analogue-to-digital converter, means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said curvature control circuit to said analogue-to-digital converter, said amplifier means output providing a signal representative of the absorbance of the sample and said curvature control circuit output providing a signal representative of the concentration of the sample, means coupled to the output of said analogue-to-digital converter for averaging a selected number of input signals to said analogue-to-digital converter, timing means for controlling the output of said analogue-to-digital converter, and digital readout means coupled to said averaging means for presenting said digital display.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
181 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample, which comprises: amplifier means for producing a logarithmic voltage output in response to a linear voltage applied thereto, means for applying said spectrophotometer output signal to said amplifier means, curvature control circuit means coupled to the output of said amplifier means for controlling the output of said amplifier means, an analogue-to-digital converter, means for selectively coupling said amplifier means output and the output of said curvature control circuit to said analogue-to-digital converter, said amplifier means output providing a signal representative of the absorbance of the sample and said curvature control circuit output providing a signal representative of the concentration of the sample, means coupled to the output of said analogue-to-digital converter for averaging a selected number of input signals to said analogue-to-digital converter, timing means for controlling the output of said analogue-to-digital converter, and digital readout means coupled to said averaging means for presenting said digital display.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance o of the sample as described in claim 42, said timing means including means for selectively delaying operation of said analogue-to-digital digital converter for a predetermined amount of time.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
72 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 42, in which said amplifier means comprises a pair of matched transistors which are connected to provide a logarithmic relationship between the differential of their emitter to base voltages and their output collector current.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
83 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 42, wherein said curvature control circuit means includes switching means responsive to the level of said amplifier means output and means coupled to said switching means for inserting a resistance in circuit between said amplifier means output and the output of said curvature control circuit.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
186 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 42, wherein saId converter provides a pulse train output with the train of pulses being proportional in number to the representative signal input, said converter also providing an output event signal when said train of pulses has been provided by said converter, means for counting a selected number of times that an output event signal is provided, said counting means providing a switching signal when the selected number of output event signals has been counted, pulse train dividing means coupled to the output of said converter for providing a number of pulses equal to a quotient with said train of pulses being the dividend and with the divisor being equal to said selected number of output event signals, said digital readout means being coupled to said pulse train dividing means whereby the total number of pulses produced by said pulse train dividing means is displayed in digital form.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed by a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 46, wherein said switching signal receiving means comprises a flip-flop, the output of said counting means being connected to an input of said flip-flop whereby the state of said flip-flop will change upon receipt of said switching signal, and means coupling the flip-flop output to said analogue-to-digital converter whereby said pulse train output is controlled by said flip-flop.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
88 words
A system for providing digital display representative of the absorbance and concentration characteristics of a sample which has been analyzed b a spectrophotometer having an output signal representative of the transmittance of the sample as described in claim 46, in which said pulse train dividing means is a first binary-counting device comprising a first 2-counter, a first 4-counter, a first 8-counter, and a first 16-counter; and said counting means is a second binary-counting device comprising a second 2-counter, a second 4-counter, a second 8-counter and a second 16-counter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-04 | 1974-07-06 | 1975-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-04 | 1978-07-06 | 1979-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-07-06 | 1983-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |