US3659148A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lamp modulator
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1970-12-16
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1990-12-16
Abstract
Abstract An electronic apparatus for generating a visual indication of the presence and magnitude of a signal. The apparatus includes a first amplifying transistor which amplifies an alternating electrical signal. A switching transistor is coupled to the output of the first transistor and is turned on by a portion of the positive half of the cycle of the signal. When the switching transistor is turned on it allows a capacitor to discharge therethrough for illuminating a lamp. The duration that the switching transistor turns on is directly proportional to the amplitude of the signal being monitored and, as a result, the intensity of the light produced by the lamp is directly proportional thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 John R Zeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:52
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/39; H05B41/392; H05B41/3921
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for monitoring an alternating electrical signal having a cycle including a positive and negative portion for generating a visual signal having an intensity proportional to the amplitude of said electrical signal being monitored comprising: A. a D.C. voltage source having a positive and negative terminal; B. an amplifying transistor coupled to said D.C. voltage source; C. means for coupling said electrical signal to said amplifying transistor for amplifying said alternating electrical signal; D. a switching transistor having base, emitter and collector electrodes; E. means for coupling said base electrode of said switching transistor to said amplifying transistor for receiving said amplified alternating signal; F. a first circuit coupling said emitter electrode to said negative terminal of said D.C. voltage source, G. a second circuit coupling said collector electrode to said negative terminal of said D.C. voltage source; H. a filament type lamp coupled in a third circuit between said positive terminal of said D.C. voltage source and said collector electrode of said switching transistor; I. a capacitor coupled between said first and second circuits being charged by said D.C. voltage source; J. means for placing a bias on said base electrode of said switching transistor for turning said switching transistor on only during a portion of said positive portion of said cycle of said signal; whereby said capacitor discharges through said switching transistor illuminating said lamp to an intensity proportional to the amplitude of said signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for monitoring an alternating electrical signal having a cycle including a positive and negative portion for generating a visual signal having an intensity proportional to the amplitude of said electrical signal being monitored comprising: A. a D.C. voltage source having a positive and negative terminal; B. an amplifying transistor coupled to said D.C. voltage source; C. means for coupling said electrical signal to said amplifying transistor for amplifying said alternating electrical signal; D. a switching transistor having base, emitter and collector electrodes; E. means for coupling said base electrode of said switching transistor to said amplifying transistor for receiving said amplified alternating signal; F. a first circuit coupling said emitter electrode to said negative terminal of said D.C. voltage source, G. a second circuit coupling said collector electrode to said negative terminal of said D.C. voltage source; H. a filament type lamp coupled in a third circuit between said positive terminal of said D.C. voltage source and said collector electrode of said switching transistor; I. a capacitor coupled between said first and second circuits being charged by said D.C. voltage source; J. means for placing a bias on said base electrode of said switching transistor for turning said switching transistor on only during a portion of said positive portion of said cycle of said signal; whereby said capacitor discharges through said switching transistor illuminating said lamp to an intensity proportional to the amplitude of said signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: A. a by-pass resistor interposed in said second circuit for maintaining said filament of said lamp warm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3099827A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |