US3581218A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Smoothly acting signal comparator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1968-08-26
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Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1988-08-26
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a signal monitoring circuit, for use with a signal source having a high internal impedance, for providing an output signal when a received input signal attains a predetermined value relative to a comparison signal, including means for developing the comparison signal; and, bistable circuit means having an input circuit for receiving the input signal, and an output circuit. The bistable circuit means being normally in a first condition and being actuated to a second condition when the input signal attains the predetermined value relative to the comparison signal, whereupon the output circuit carries an output signal. The signal monitoring circuit includes an improvement for positively actuating the bistable circuit from the first condition to the second condition so that the output signal is characterized by substantially continuously varying from a first level to a second level, wherein the improvement comprises circuit means coupling the output circuit to the comparison signal developing means for varying the value of the comparison signal in dependence upon the value of the output signal so as to increase the actuation time required to place the bistable means in the second condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Bill J Ransdell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:03
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A signal monitoring circuit for providing an output signal when a received input signal attains a predetermined value relative to a comparison signal including: means for developing said comparison signal; a bistable circuit means having an input circuit for receiving said input signal, an inverting input for receiving a comparison signal and an output circuit, said bistable circuit means being normally in a first condition and being actuated to a second condition when said input signal attains said predetermined value relative to said comparison signal, whereupon said output circuit carries said output signal; and the improvement for positively actuating said bistable circuit means from said first condition to said second condition so that said output signal is characterized by substantially continuously varying from a first level to a second level wherein said improvement comprises circuit means having a connection to said output circuit and coupled to said comparison signal developing means coupling said output circuit to said comparison signal developing means for varying the value of said comparison signal in dependence upon the value of said output signal so as to increase the actuation time required to place said bistable means in said second condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A signal monitoring circuit for providing an output signal when a received input signal attains a predetermined value relative to a comparison signal including: means for developing said comparison signal; a bistable circuit means having an input circuit for receiving said input signal, an inverting input for receiving a comparison signal and an output circuit, said bistable circuit means being normally in a first condition and being actuated to a second condition when said input signal attains said predetermined value relative to said comparison signal, whereupon said output circuit carries said output signal; and the improvement for positively actuating said bistable circuit means from said first condition to said second condition so that said output signal is characterized by substantially continuously varying from a first level to a second level wherein said improvement comprises circuit means having a connection to said output circuit and coupled to said comparison signal developing means coupling said output circuit to said comparison signal developing means for varying the value of said comparison signal in dependence upon the value of said output signal so as to increase the actuation time required to place said bistable means in said second condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
143 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 1 wherein said bistable circuit includes a first and a second electronic control means each having a first and a second condition, and a first, second and control electrode; said first and second comparator of said first electronic control means being coupled to said first and second electrodes of said second electronic control means, respectively, so that when said first electronic control means is in said first condition said second electronic control means is in said second condition; said input circuit including said control electrode of said first electronic control means; and, said circuit coupling means coupling said output circuit to said control electrode of said second electronic control means, said means for developing said comparison signal comprising a resistor connected to a source of voltage with a tap thereon coupled to said output circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 2 wherein said second electrode of said second electronic control means is coupled to said output circuit so that when said second electronic control means is in said second condition said output circuit carries said output signal; and, said output circuit is connected directly through a resistance element to said control electrode of said second electronic control means so that a portion of the output signal is fed back to said comparison signal developing means for varying the value of said comparison signal as said second electronic control means is actuated from said first condition to said second condition, a resistor being interposed between said potentiometer tap and said output circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 2 including a second bistable circuit means having an input circuit means coupled to said output circuit means of said first bistable circuit means, and an output circuit means; said second bistable circuit means having a first and a second condition, and being responsive to said output signal so that when said output signal attains a predetermined value said second bistable circuit means is actuated from said first condition to said second condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 4 including a second circuit means coupling said output circuit means of said second bistable circuit means to said means for developing a comparison signal for altering the value of said comparison signal as said second circuit means commences to change from said first condition to said second condition so that said bistable circuit means is actuated positively from said first condition to said second condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 5 wherein said second bistable circuit means includes a third and a fourth electronic control means each having a first and a second condition, and a first, second, and control electrode; said control electrode of said third electronic control means being coupled to said output circuit of said first bistable circuit means, and said first and second electrodes of said third electronic control means being coupled to said first and second electrodes of said fourth electronic control means, respectively, so that when said third electronic control means is in said first condition said fourth electronic control means is in said second condition, said second coupling circuit means comprising a resistor connected between said output circuit means of said second bistable circuit means and said comparison signal potentiometer tap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A signal monitoring circuit as defined in claim 6 including means for developing said input signal; said inpUt signal developing means including a high-impedance thin-film carbon potentiometer, coupled across a voltage supply source.
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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) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |