US3596107A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal selector
Assignee: Collins Radio Co
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Filing: 1969-07-09
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Granted: 1971-07-27
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Expires: 1989-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A signal selecting means to which a plurality of signals of variable amplitude and sign are applied and which develops an output signal corresponding in magnitude and sign to preselected ones, depending on algebraic rank, of the midvalue applied signals, exclusive of the most algebraically positive and negative ones of the input signals. The output signal magnitude is controlled by a predetermined permutation of midvalue selections and in a manner that obviates transients on the output line as control is transferred to the various ones of the midvalue input signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard L Kittrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/0038
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
408 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, each of said first signal development means comprises first and second differential operational amplifiers, having first and second input terminals, the signals comprising one of said predetermined pairs of input signals being applied respectively to said first input terminals, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to the second input terminal of each of said operational amplifier, the second input terminals being connected in common through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, the aforedefined common interconnection comprising the output from said first signal comparison means, said common interconnection assuming a potential corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of the input signal pair; said second signal development means comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, the output of each of said further differential amplifiers being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected as a second input to the associated one of said differential amplifiers, the second inputs of each of said further differential amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output from said second signal development means, the output from said second signal development means comprising the least algebraically posItive one of the respective input signals thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
408 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, each of said first signal development means comprises first and second differential operational amplifiers, having first and second input terminals, the signals comprising one of said predetermined pairs of input signals being applied respectively to said first input terminals, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to the second input terminal of each of said operational amplifier, the second input terminals being connected in common through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, the aforedefined common interconnection comprising the output from said first signal comparison means, said common interconnection assuming a potential corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of the input signal pair; said second signal development means comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, the output of each of said further differential amplifiers being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected as a second input to the associated one of said differential amplifiers, the second inputs of each of said further differential amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output from said second signal development means, the output from said second signal development means comprising the least algebraically posItive one of the respective input signals thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
395 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, each of said first signal development means comprises a pair of differential operational amplifiers each having first and second input terminals, the signals comprising one of said predetermined pairs of input signals being applied respectively to said first input terminals, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to the second input terminal of said operational amplifier, said second input terminals of each of said differential amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection assuming a potential corresponding to the least algebraically positive one of the input signal pair; said second signal development means comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, the output of each of said further differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected as a second input to the associated one of said differential amplifiers, the second input of each of said further operational amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, said common connection comprising the output from said second signal development means and comprising the most algebraically positive one of the respective input signals thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
395 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, each of said first signal development means comprises a pair of differential operational amplifiers each having first and second input terminals, the signals comprising one of said predetermined pairs of input signals being applied respectively to said first input terminals, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to the second input terminal of said operational amplifier, said second input terminals of each of said differential amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection assuming a potential corresponding to the least algebraically positive one of the input signal pair; said second signal development means comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, the output of each of said further differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected as a second input to the associated one of said differential amplifiers, the second input of each of said further operational amplifiers being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, said common connection comprising the output from said second signal development means and comprising the most algebraically positive one of the respective input signals thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
235 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signal pair applied exhibiting a first algebraic magnitude extreme, a second signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signals applied thereto exhibiting the opposite algebraic magnitude extreme, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, said plurality of input signals being four in number and comprising first and second ones of said plurality of first signal development means, the first one of said first signal development means receiving a first pair of said input signals, the second one of said first signal development means receiving a second pair of said input signals, Said second signal development means comprising first and second differential amplifiers receiving the outputs from said first and second ones of said first signal development means as respective first inputs thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
235 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signal pair applied exhibiting a first algebraic magnitude extreme, a second signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signals applied thereto exhibiting the opposite algebraic magnitude extreme, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, said plurality of input signals being four in number and comprising first and second ones of said plurality of first signal development means, the first one of said first signal development means receiving a first pair of said input signals, the second one of said first signal development means receiving a second pair of said input signals, Said second signal development means comprising first and second differential amplifiers receiving the outputs from said first and second ones of said first signal development means as respective first inputs thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
248 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signal pair applied exhibiting a first algebraic magnitude extreme, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signals applied thereto exhibiting the opposite algebraic magnitude extreme, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, said plurality of input signals being four in number and comprising first, second, and third ones of said plurality of first signal development means, said first, second, and third ones of said first signal development means receiving as respective inputs three different input signal pairs which pairs collectively include each of said input signals at least once, said second signal development means comprising first, second, and third differential amplifiers receiving the outputs from said first, second, and third ones of first said signal development means as respective first inputs thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
248 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signal pair applied exhibiting a first algebraic magnitude extreme, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of that one of the signals applied thereto exhibiting the opposite algebraic magnitude extreme, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, said plurality of input signals being four in number and comprising first, second, and third ones of said plurality of first signal development means, said first, second, and third ones of said first signal development means receiving as respective inputs three different input signal pairs which pairs collectively include each of said input signals at least once, said second signal development means comprising first, second, and third differential amplifiers receiving the outputs from said first, second, and third ones of first said signal development means as respective first inputs thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
68 words
Translating means as defined in claim 4 where the first one of said first signal development means receives the first and second ones of said input signals, the second one of said first signal development means receives the first and fourth ones of said input signals, and the third one of said first signal development means receives the third and fourth ones of said plurality of input signals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
130 words
Translating means as defined in claim 4 wherein the predetermined pairs of input signals as applied to said first signal development means are additionally applied to respective voltage comparators, said voltage comparators being adapted to provide an enabling output signal when the respective inputs thereto exhibit an absolute magnitude difference within a predetermined threshold, said first, second, third and fourth input signals being selectively applied to said first signal development means through respective first, second, third and fourth switching means the energization of which is effected by the enabling output signal from selected ones of said voltage comparators, said switching means being normally energized and being deenergized upon the controlling ones of said voltage enabling outputs from said voltage comparators being absent in response to said predetermined threshold being exceeded.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
314 words
In a signal translating means of the type which develops an output signal corresponding to one of the midvalue ones of a plurality of applied input signals exclusive of the most algebraically negative and most algebraically positive ones of said input signals, a plurality of first signal development means each of which develops an output signal corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of at least two of said plurality of input signals applied thereto, each of said first signal development means comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise preselected ones of said input signals, the outputs of each said operational amplifier being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said diffeRential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output of said first signal development means and exhibiting an instantaneous amplitude corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of the input signals applied thereto; second signal development means for developing a signal corresponding to the least algebraically positive one of a plurality of signals applied thereto comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs of said plurality of first signal development means, the outputs of each said further differential operational amplifier being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said further differential amplifier, the second inputs of said further operational amplifiers, being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output of said second signal development means and the signal developed thereon comprising said signal translating means output signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
314 words
In a signal translating means of the type which develops an output signal corresponding to one of the midvalue ones of a plurality of applied input signals exclusive of the most algebraically negative and most algebraically positive ones of said input signals, a plurality of first signal development means each of which develops an output signal corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of at least two of said plurality of input signals applied thereto, each of said first signal development means comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise preselected ones of said input signals, the outputs of each said operational amplifier being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said diffeRential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output of said first signal development means and exhibiting an instantaneous amplitude corresponding to the most algebraically positive one of the input signals applied thereto; second signal development means for developing a signal corresponding to the least algebraically positive one of a plurality of signals applied thereto comprising a further plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective outputs of said plurality of first signal development means, the outputs of each said further differential operational amplifier being connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said further differential amplifier, the second inputs of said further operational amplifiers, being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, said common interconnection comprising the output of said second signal development means and the signal developed thereon comprising said signal translating means output signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
113 words
A signal development means for developing an output signal the amplitude of which corresponds to that of the most algebraically positive one of a plurality of applied input signals, comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers receiving said plurality of input signals as respective first inputs thereto, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said differential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, the instantaneous potential of said common interconnection comprising said output signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
113 words
A signal development means for developing an output signal the amplitude of which corresponds to that of the most algebraically positive one of a plurality of applied input signals, comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers receiving said plurality of input signals as respective first inputs thereto, the output of each of said differential operational amplifiers being connected to the anode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the cathode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said differential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a negative direct current voltage source, the instantaneous potential of said common interconnection comprising said output signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
112 words
A signal development means for developing an output signal the amplitude of which corresponds to that of the least algebraically positive one of a plurality of applied input signals, comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective ones of said input signals, the output of each of said differential amplifiers connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said differential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, the instantaneous potential of said common interconnection comprising said output signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
112 words
A signal development means for developing an output signal the amplitude of which corresponds to that of the least algebraically positive one of a plurality of applied input signals, comprising a plurality of differential operational amplifiers first inputs to which comprise the respective ones of said input signals, the output of each of said differential amplifiers connected to the cathode electrode of a unilateral conduction device the anode electrode of which is connected to a second input of said differential amplifier, said second inputs being connected in common and through a common resistive member to a positive direct current voltage source, the instantaneous potential of said common interconnection comprising said output signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
335 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, a first one of said first signal development means receives the first and second ones of said input signals, a second one of said first signal development means receives the first and fourth ones of said iNput signals, and a third one of said first signal development means receives the third and fourth ones of said plurality of input signals, the predetermined pairs of input signals as applied to said first signal development means are additionally applied to respective voltage comparators, said voltage comparators being adapted to provide an enabling output signal when the respective inputs thereto exhibit an absolute magnitude difference within a predetermined threshold, said first, second, third and fourth input signals being selectively applied to said first signal development means through respective first, second, third and fourth switching means the energization of which is effected by the enabling output signal from selected ones of said voltage comparators, said switching means being normally energized and being deenergized upon the controlling ones of said voltage enabling outputs from said voltage comparators being absent in response to said predetermined threshold being exceeded.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
335 words
Signal translating means for selectively applying one of a plurality of input signals to a common output line, comprising a plurality of first signal development means for receiving a predetermined number of pairs of said input signals, said predetermined number of pairs including each of said input signals in at least one pair, each of said first signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically positive one of the signal pair applied thereto, a second signal development means receiving the outputs from said plurality of first signal development means, said second signal development means developing an output corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude of the most algebraically negative one of the signals applied thereto, the output of said second signal development means thereby corresponding to a midvalue one of said input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, a first one of said first signal development means receives the first and second ones of said input signals, a second one of said first signal development means receives the first and fourth ones of said iNput signals, and a third one of said first signal development means receives the third and fourth ones of said plurality of input signals, the predetermined pairs of input signals as applied to said first signal development means are additionally applied to respective voltage comparators, said voltage comparators being adapted to provide an enabling output signal when the respective inputs thereto exhibit an absolute magnitude difference within a predetermined threshold, said first, second, third and fourth input signals being selectively applied to said first signal development means through respective first, second, third and fourth switching means the energization of which is effected by the enabling output signal from selected ones of said voltage comparators, said switching means being normally energized and being deenergized upon the controlling ones of said voltage enabling outputs from said voltage comparators being absent in response to said predetermined threshold being exceeded.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
393 words
Translating means as defined in claim 10 wherein a first one of said voltage comparators receives the first and second ones of said input signals and provides an output effective in enabling those of said switching means serially interconnected between said first and second input signals and said first signal development means, a second voltage comparator receiving the first and fourth ones of said input signals and providing an enabling output to those of said switching means effective in controlling the application of said first and fourth input signals to said first signal development means, a third voltage comparator receiving said third and fourth input signals and providing an enabling output to those of said switching means effective in controlling the application of said third and fourth input signals to said first signal development means, said first and fourth switching means when deenergized applying a zero-signal potential to the respective first and fourth input lines to said first signal development means, the second and third ones of said switching means including interconnecting means to connect to said zero-signal potential the associated input terminal to said first signal development means through the other one of said second and third switching means when said second and third switching means are deenergized simultaneously, each of said second and third ones of said switching means additionally including interconnection means to connect the applied second and third input signals when energized through the other unenergized one of said third and second switches, respectively, to the associated first signal development means input line associated with the unenergized one, a first operational mode being effected upon enabling outputs from each of said first, second and third comparators to select as an output from said translating means one of the midvalue input signals exclusive of the most algebraically positive and most algebraically negative ones of said input signals, second and third operational modes being effected upon absence of an enabling output from the third and first comparators, respectively, and converting the signal translating means operational mode to a midvalue selection of three predetermined ones of the plurality of input signals, and fourth, fifth and sixth operational modes being effected upon enabling outputs only from the first, third and second comparators, respectively, to effect operational modes of midvalue selection based on a predetermined pair of said input signals and said zero-signal potential.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-26 | 1975-01-25 | 1975-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-26 | 1979-01-25 | 1979-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-26 | 1983-01-25 | 1983-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |