US3609397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal-classifying circuit
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1969-12-29
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1989-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A system for identifying and selecting the maximum or minimum value of a single signal or a subset of signals from among a larger set of signals. The system includes an amplifier for each subset of signals. The outputs of the amplifiers are connected in common. Feedback loops from the common output to an input cause all amplifiers, except the one with the largest input signal, to operate in the nonlinear region. Each amplifier is monitored to determine whether or not it is operating linearly.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis F Zaman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:16
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/0038; G01R19/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for identifying and transmitting the extreme value from among a plurality of input signals comprising, a plurality of signal amplifiers each having: an inverting input, a noninverting input, and an output, said input signals being applied to said noninverting inputs in a predetermined manner, means connecting said outputs in common to provide a common output thereat indicative of the particular input signal having the extreme value, means connecting the common output signal to each of said inverting inputs, and a plurality of means individually connected to said amplifiers for indicating the existence of a predetermined relationship between the common output signal and each of said input signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for identifying and transmitting the extreme value from among a plurality of input signals comprising, a plurality of signal amplifiers each having: an inverting input, a noninverting input, and an output, said input signals being applied to said noninverting inputs in a predetermined manner, means connecting said outputs in common to provide a common output thereat indicative of the particular input signal having the extreme value, means connecting the common output signal to each of said inverting inputs, and a plurality of means individually connected to said amplifiers for indicating the existence of a predetermined relationship between the common output signal and each of said input signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises, sensing means responsive to linear operation of an amplifier for indicating the presence of the extreme valued signal at the noninverting input to said linearly operating amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises, sensing means responsive to nonlinear operation of an amplifier for indicating the absence of the extreme valued signal at the noninverting input to said nonlinearly operating amplifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said last-named means is responsive to the linearity of the relationship between said input signals and the common output signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein, said last-named means is a circuit connected to an amplifying element within said signal amplifier to provide an output-indicating signal indicating when said amplifying element is operating in a nonlinear region.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system according to claim 5 wherein, said amplifying element is a semiconductor device having an output electrode connected to said commonly connected outputs and an input electrode controlled by the difference between the signals applied to said inverting and noninverting inputs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system according to claim 6 wherein, said semiconductor device is a junction transistor, and the junction between said input electrode and said output electrode is in a reverse biased state when the common output signal exceeds the normal output signal of said amplifier.
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) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |