US3553487A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit for generating discontinuous functions
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1967-10-12
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Granted: 1971-01-05
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Expires: 1987-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A multiple output voltage selective circuit wherein an individual output will follow a predetermined curve with respect to a continuously changing input voltage and wherein each of the output voltages may vary completely independently of the remaining output voltages.
Inventors
- 👤 John C Freeborn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/26; G06G7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A circuit for generating an electrical output signal as a predetermined function of an input signal comprising: first and second transistors of like coNductivity types, each having a base and first and second corresponding electrodes; voltage reference means connected between the bases of said first and second transistors for continuously maintaining a fixed voltage therebetween; input means for supplying an input signal to the base of said first transistor; impedance means connecting the first electrode of said first transistor to the second electrode of said second transistor; a reference source for supplying a reference potential; supply means for supplying a first potential different from the reference potential; first means connecting said supply means to the second electrode of said first transistor for supplying the first potential thereto; second means for connecting the first electrode of said second transistor to said reference source; and signal output means connected to the second electrode of said second transistor for supplying the output signal of the circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A circuit for generating an electrical output signal as a predetermined function of an input signal comprising: first and second transistors of like coNductivity types, each having a base and first and second corresponding electrodes; voltage reference means connected between the bases of said first and second transistors for continuously maintaining a fixed voltage therebetween; input means for supplying an input signal to the base of said first transistor; impedance means connecting the first electrode of said first transistor to the second electrode of said second transistor; a reference source for supplying a reference potential; supply means for supplying a first potential different from the reference potential; first means connecting said supply means to the second electrode of said first transistor for supplying the first potential thereto; second means for connecting the first electrode of said second transistor to said reference source; and signal output means connected to the second electrode of said second transistor for supplying the output signal of the circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The circuit of claim 1 further including at least one additional circuit in accordance with claim 1 and voltage sensitive means connecting the input means of the circuits in series, said voltage sensitive means supplying a signal to said additional circuit only when the input signal to the first-named circuit exceeds a predetermined magnitude.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The circuit of claim 1 wherein said second connecting means includes adjustable means for maintaining the first electrode of said second transistor at a selected potential different from the reference potential when said second transistor is nonconducting.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The circuit of claim 3 wherein: said supply means further supplies a second potential different from the reference potential and of opposite polarity with respect thereto than the first potential; and said second connecting means includes adjustable impedance means connecting said supply means and the first electrode of said second transistor for supplying a potential less than the reference potential thereto, said impedance means and said second connecting means determining the amplification provided by said second transistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
157 words
A function generator for generating an electrical output signal as a predetermined function of an input signal comprising: first and second NPN transistors, each having a base, an emitter and a collector; impedance means connecting the emitter of said first transistor to the collector of said second transistor; voltage reference means connected between the bases of said first and second transistors and operable to maintain the base of the first transistor at a fixed positive voltage with respect to the base of said second transistor; input means connected to supply an input to the base of said first transistor; a reference source for supplying a reverence potential; supply means for supplying a first potential greater than the reference potential; first means connecting the supply means to the collector of said first transistor; second means connecting the emitter of said second transistor to said reference source; and output signal means connected to the collector of said second transistor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
157 words
A function generator for generating an electrical output signal as a predetermined function of an input signal comprising: first and second NPN transistors, each having a base, an emitter and a collector; impedance means connecting the emitter of said first transistor to the collector of said second transistor; voltage reference means connected between the bases of said first and second transistors and operable to maintain the base of the first transistor at a fixed positive voltage with respect to the base of said second transistor; input means connected to supply an input to the base of said first transistor; a reference source for supplying a reverence potential; supply means for supplying a first potential greater than the reference potential; first means connecting the supply means to the collector of said first transistor; second means connecting the emitter of said second transistor to said reference source; and output signal means connected to the collector of said second transistor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The function generator of claim 5 wherein said second connecting means includes means for maintaining the emitter of said second transistor at a predetermined potential when said second transistor is nonconducting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
The function generator of claim 6 wherein: said supply means also supplies a second potential of less than the reference potential; said second connecting means comprises resistance means connecting said supply means to the emitter of said second transistor for maintaining a fixed potential less than the reference potential at the emitter of said second transistor; and diode means is provided having its anode connected to the emitter of the second transistor and having its cathode connected to said reference source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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 |