Method and fluidic control systems for operating a can closing machine

Claim 2

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: signal input means providing first fluidic signal outputs in response to input criteria; a plurality of signal control means for converting said first fluidic signals into a second set of fluidic signal outputs and having input means and output means, conduit means for conducting said first fluidic signal outputs to the inputs of said plurality of signal control means; triggering means controlled by said signal control means for releasing or blocking said second set of fluidic signals at the same rate of repetition as said input criteria and having input means and output means, conduit means for connecting said output means of said signal control means to said input means of said triggering means, a first bistable amplifier means for converting the output of said triggering means to a stronger control signal; and conduit means for connecting the outputs of said triggering means to the inputs of said first bistable amplifier means.

Claim 3

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as set forth in claim 1, in which said plurality of signal control means comprises: a second bistable amplifier having a first and a second control input channels mounted in opposition and a first and a second output channels; a first and second NOR gates each having a control input channel and a control operated output channel; conduit means for conducting the signals from said output channel of said first NOR gate to the first control input channel of said second bistable amplifier; conduit means for conducting the signals from said output channel of said second NOR gate to the second control input channel of said second bistable amplifier.

Claim 4

providing a second fluidic signal input to said fluidic circuit from a first fluidic signal generator and starting sequentially after said first signal and having a predetermined cycle synchronized with the happening of said event with about the same interval between signals as between the events in said series;

Claim 5

providing a second fluidic signal input to said fluidic circuit from a first fluidic signal generator and starting sequentially after said first signal and having a predetermined cycle synchronized with the happening of said event with about the same interval between signals as between the events in said series;

Claim 6

conducting one output of said second bistable amplifier to an input control channel of one of a third and fourth NOR gates,

Claim 7

conducting one output of said second bistable amplifier to an input control channel of one of a third and fourth NOR gates,

Claim 8

conducting said second fluidic signal to the second control channel of one of said first and second bistable amplifiers,

Claim 9

conducting said second fluidic signal to the second control channel of one of said first and second bistable amplifiers,

Claim 10

conducting the fluidic output of said bistable amplifier means to a further device for activation of said device.

Claim 11

conducting the fluidic output of said bistable amplifier means to a further device for activation of said device.

Claim 12

conducting said third fluidic signal to the other control input channel of said first bistable amplifier,

Claim 13

conducting said third fluidic signal to the other control input channel of said first bistable amplifier,

Claim 14

conducting the outputs of said first bistable amplifier to the control input channels of a pair of NOR gates,

Claim 15

conducting the outputs of said first bistable amplifier to the control input channels of a pair of NOR gates,

Claim 16

conducting said third fluidic signal to the second control channel of the remaining bistable amplifiers,

Claim 17

conducting said third fluidic signal to the second control channel of the remaining bistable amplifiers,

Claim 18

conducting a fourth signal to an input control channel of said third and fourth NOR gates when said second signal is absent, to block passage of the throughput of said third and fourth NOR gates,

Claim 19

conducting a fourth signal to an input control channel of said third and fourth NOR gates when said second signal is absent, to block passage of the throughput of said third and fourth NOR gates,

Claim 20

providing a third fluidic signal input to said fluidic circuit from a second fluidic signal generator and starting at a different time from said first and second signals and having the same interval between signals as said second signals; and

Claim 21

providing a third fluidic signal input to said fluidic circuit from a second fluidic signal generator and starting at a different time from said first and second signals and having the same interval between signals as said second signals; and

Claim 22

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling set forth in claim 2 in which said triggering means comprises: a third NOR gate having a first and a second control input channel; a fourth NOR gate having a first and a second control input channel; a fifth NOR gate having a single control input channel, a control output channel and a relief output channel; a first conduit means connecting a fluidic signal output of said signal input means to the control input channel of said fifth NOR gate; second conduit means connecting an input channel of said third NOR gate to said first output channel of said second bistable amplifier; third conduit means connecting an input channel of said fourth NOR gate to the second output channel of said second bistable amplifier; fourth conduit means connecting the relief output Channel of said fifth NOR gate to the second control input channel of each of said third and fourth NOR gates.

Claim 23

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as set forth in claim 3 in which said signal input means comprises: a first fluidic timer means having an output channel and operating to give a signal in synchronism with a can conveyor means; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first timer means to the input control channel of said fifth NOR gate; a second fluidic timer means operating at the same repetitive speed as said first timer means and out of phase with said first timer means, whereby the signals from said first and second timer means arise at different times; conduit means connecting the output channel of said second timer means to the input control channel of said first NOR gate; can detector signal pick-up means for giving rise to a signal when a can passes the pick-up means and having an output channel; and conduit means connecting the output channel of said signal pick-up means to the input control channel of said second NOR gate.

Claim 24

combining and processing said first, second and third signal input in said fluidic circuit to give resultant signals indicative of the happening of each of said events and using said signal to control the operation of said device.

Claim 25

combining and processing said first, second and third signal input in said fluidic circuit to give resultant signals indicative of the happening of each of said events and using said signal to control the operation of said device.

Claim 26

conducting a fifth signal to an input control channel of a fifth and sixth NOR gates when said third signal is absent to block passage of the throughput of said first and second NOR gates,

Claim 27

conducting a fifth signal to an input control channel of a fifth and sixth NOR gates when said third signal is absent to block passage of the throughput of said first and second NOR gates,

Claim 28

conducting the output of each of said bistable amplifiers to a further means to control the output of said means to indicate the happening of each of said events, and

Claim 29

conducting the output of each of said bistable amplifiers to a further means to control the output of said means to indicate the happening of each of said events, and

Claim 30

conducting said second fluidic signal to the control input channels of said pair of NOR gates,

Claim 31

conducting said second fluidic signal to the control input channels of said pair of NOR gates,

Claim 32

conducting the outputs of each said NOR gate to opposite sides of the control input channels of a second bi-stable amplifier.

Claim 33

conducting the outputs of each said NOR gate to opposite sides of the control input channels of a second bi-stable amplifier.

Claim 34

periodically blocking the output of each of said further means.

Claim 35

periodically blocking the output of each of said further means.

Claim 36

conducting the throughput of said first NOR gate to a first control channel of a third bistable amplifier,

Claim 37

conducting the throughput of said first NOR gate to a first control channel of a third bistable amplifier,

Claim 38

Fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: signal generating means comprising three signal generators each connected to the control input channel of a separate NOR gate, a pair of signal conversion branches connected to said signal generating means and connected in parallelism to each other and adapted to receive signals from said signal generating means to convert these signals into a single control signal emanating from each branch to control at least one operative element, each said branch comprising: a first bistable amplifier element having one of its input control channels operatively connected to the output of a first signal conveying NOR gate, and having the other input control channel of said bistable amplifier connected to a second signal conveying NOR gate so that the signal from said first NOR gate and said second NOR gate operate in opposition to each other, means for receiving the signal from said first bistable amplifier and converting it into a signal for actuation of further means, and, means for intermittently blocking transmission of signals in each channel.

Claim 39

Fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: signal generating means comprising three signal generators each connected to the control input channel of a separate NOR gate, a pair of signal conversion branches connected to said signal generating means and connected in parallelism to each other and adapted to receive signals from said signal generating means to convert these signals into a single control signal emanating from each branch to control at least one operative element, each said branch comprising: a first bistable amplifier element having one of its input control channels operatively connected to the output of a first signal conveying NOR gate, and having the other input control channel of said bistable amplifier connected to a second signal conveying NOR gate so that the signal from said first NOR gate and said second NOR gate operate in opposition to each other, means for receiving the signal from said first bistable amplifier and converting it into a signal for actuation of further means, and, means for intermittently blocking transmission of signals in each channel.

Claim 40

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as claimed in claim 5 in which, said signal generating means comprises: a can detector unit comprising: a fluidic can detector signal pickup means having an output channel, a NOR gate having a control input channel connected to said output channel of said pickup means, and a first periodic fluidic signal generating means having a timer for stopping gas exiting from an orifice to cause gas pressure backup to a control channel so that an input pressure is directed into the input channel of a NOR gate which channel is connected to said orifice, and, a second periodic fluidic signal generating means having a timer for blocking gas exiting from an orifice to cause the gas pressure to backup into a control channel so that an input pressure is directed into the input channel of a NOR gate.

Claim 41

conducting the throughput of said second NOR gate to a second control channel of said third bistable amplifier,

Claim 42

conducting the throughput of said second NOR gate to a second control channel of said third bistable amplifier,

Claim 43

conducting the throughput of said third NOR gate to a first control channel of said fourth bistable amplifier,

Claim 44

conducting the throughput of said third NOR gate to a first control channel of said fourth bistable amplifier,

Claim 45

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as claimed in claim 6 in which, said receiving and converting means comprises: a pair of NOR gates each having dual input control channels, an input channel of each NOR gate being connected to a separate output of said first bistable amplifier and a second input channel of each said NOR gate being connected to the output of one of said second signal generating means, and, a second bistable amplifier element having each of its control inputs connected to the output of one of said pair of NOR gates whereby said second bistable amplifier output may be used to control an operative means.

Claim 46

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as claimed in claim 7 in which, said means for intermittently blocking transmission of signals comprises: fluid pressure transmission means conNected between the output of each of said second signal conveying NOR gates and the other signal input channel of said dual input channels of said pair of NOR gates whereby pressure from said second generating means blocks transmission of any signals through said pair of NOR gates.

Claim 47

conducting the throughput of said fourth NOR gate to a second control channel of said fourth bistable amplifier,

Claim 48

conducting the throughput of said fourth NOR gate to a second control channel of said fourth bistable amplifier,

Claim 49

conducting the output of said third bistable amplifier to first operative means to cause the operation of a first device, and

Claim 50

conducting the output of said third bistable amplifier to first operative means to cause the operation of a first device, and

Claim 51

A control circuit for signal storage and handling comprising: fluidic signal means for generating a signal in response to the happening of each of a series of events and having an output channel; first fluidic timer means for generating a signal at about the same rate as the periodically occurring event and having a signal output channel; a first memory means having first and second control input channels connected in opposition, and first and second output channels, whereby the output flow passes through alternatively said first or second output channel depending upon which of said first or second signal control input channels received the last input signal; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluidic signal means to said first control input channel of said memory means; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first fluidic timer means to said second control input channel of said first memory means; a first NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said first memory means to the first input control channel of said first NOR gate; a second NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input control channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first memory means to the first input control channel of said second NOR gate; a second fluidic timer means for generating signals of the same periodicity and sequentially of said first fluidic timer means and having a signal output channel; a third NOR gate having a single input control channel, a signal diversion channel and a throughput output channel; conduit means connecting the channel of said second fluidic timer means to the single input control channel of said third NOR gate whereby when a signal is generated by said second fluidic time means fluidic output is diverted in said third NOR gate and when no signal is conducted into said input control channel, fluidic output is conducted through said throughput output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput output channel of said third NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first and second NOR gates; a second memory means having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel functioning similar to said first memory means; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said second memory means; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said second memory means whereby the output of said second memory means is diverted to one or the other of said output channels depending upon which of said second or third NOR gates last gives a signal to said second memory means.

Claim 52

A control circuit for signal storage and handling comprising: fluidic signal means for generating a signal in response to the happening of each of a series of events and having an output channel; first fluidic timer means for generating a signal at about the same rate as the periodically occurring event and having a signal output channel; a first memory means having first and second control input channels connected in opposition, and first and second output channels, whereby the output flow passes through alternatively said first or second output channel depending upon which of said first or second signal control input channels received the last input signal; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluidic signal means to said first control input channel of said memory means; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first fluidic timer means to said second control input channel of said first memory means; a first NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said first memory means to the first input control channel of said first NOR gate; a second NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input control channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first memory means to the first input control channel of said second NOR gate; a second fluidic timer means for generating signals of the same periodicity and sequentially of said first fluidic timer means and having a signal output channel; a third NOR gate having a single input control channel, a signal diversion channel and a throughput output channel; conduit means connecting the channel of said second fluidic timer means to the single input control channel of said third NOR gate whereby when a signal is generated by said second fluidic time means fluidic output is diverted in said third NOR gate and when no signal is conducted into said input control channel, fluidic output is conducted through said throughput output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput output channel of said third NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first and second NOR gates; a second memory means having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel functioning similar to said first memory means; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said second memory means; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said second memory means whereby the output of said second memory means is diverted to one or the other of said output channels depending upon which of said second or third NOR gates last gives a signal to said second memory means.

Claim 53

conducting the output of said fourth bistable amplifier to second operative means to cause the operation of a second device.

Claim 54

conducting the output of said fourth bistable amplifier to second operative means to cause the operation of a second device.

Claim 55

A control circuit for signal storage and handling of signals comprising: fluid signal means for generating a signal in response to each happening of a periodically occurring event and having an output channel; first fluidic timer means for generating a signal at about the same rate as the periodically occurring event and having a signal output channel and a throughput channel; first memory means having first and second control input channels connected in opposition and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels received the last input signal; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluid signal means to said first control input channel of said memory means; first trigger means having a first and second output channel for passage of output flow alternatively through the first or second channel during times when the trigger is released and having control input channels, whereby when a signal is applied to any control channel its corresponding throughput output channel is blocked and has no flow in it; conduit means connecting said throughput channel of said first fluidic means to control input channels of said first trigger means; conduit means connecting said first and second output channels of said first memory means to control input channels of said first trigger whereby when said trigger is released fluid flows through a first output channel of the trigger and no fluid flows through the second output channel of the trigger or visa versa depending on which control input channels have no signal input; second memory means for preventing oscillation of the control circuit and having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and first and second output channels whereby the output flows through said first output channel if a signal diverts the flow to said first output channel and the output flows through said second output channel if a signal diverts the flow to said second output channel; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said trigger means to the first input channel of said second memory means; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said trigger means to the second control input channel of said second memory means; third memory means having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and having first and second output channels whereby the output flows through said first output channel if a signal has diverted the flow to said first output channel and the output flows through said second output channel if a signal has diverted the output to said second output channel; conduit means connecting said signal output channel of said first fluidic timer means to the first control input channel of said third memory means; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said second control input channel of said third memory means; second fluidic timer means for generating a signal at the same rate of frequency as said first fluidic timer means but intermediate said signals of said first fluidic timer means and having a signal output channel and a throughput channel; second trigger means having a first and a second output channel for passage of output flow through alternatively said first and second channels during the time that the trigger is released and having control input channels whereby when a signal is applied to any control channel its corresponding throughput output channel is blocked and has no flow in it; conduit means connecting the first and second output channels of said third memory means to control input channels of said second trigger means; conduit means connecting said throughput channel of said second timer means to control input channels of said second trigger means; conduit means connecting said signal output channel of said second timer means to said second control input channel of said first memory means; fourth memory means having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and first and second output channels similar to said third memory means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said second trigger means to the first input channel of saiD fourth memory means; and conduit means connecting the second output channel of said second trigger means to the second input channel of said fourth memory means.

Claim 56

A control circuit for signal storage and handling of signals comprising: fluid signal means for generating a signal in response to each happening of a periodically occurring event and having an output channel; first fluidic timer means for generating a signal at about the same rate as the periodically occurring event and having a signal output channel and a throughput channel; first memory means having first and second control input channels connected in opposition and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels received the last input signal; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluid signal means to said first control input channel of said memory means; first trigger means having a first and second output channel for passage of output flow alternatively through the first or second channel during times when the trigger is released and having control input channels, whereby when a signal is applied to any control channel its corresponding throughput output channel is blocked and has no flow in it; conduit means connecting said throughput channel of said first fluidic means to control input channels of said first trigger means; conduit means connecting said first and second output channels of said first memory means to control input channels of said first trigger whereby when said trigger is released fluid flows through a first output channel of the trigger and no fluid flows through the second output channel of the trigger or visa versa depending on which control input channels have no signal input; second memory means for preventing oscillation of the control circuit and having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and first and second output channels whereby the output flows through said first output channel if a signal diverts the flow to said first output channel and the output flows through said second output channel if a signal diverts the flow to said second output channel; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said trigger means to the first input channel of said second memory means; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said trigger means to the second control input channel of said second memory means; third memory means having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and having first and second output channels whereby the output flows through said first output channel if a signal has diverted the flow to said first output channel and the output flows through said second output channel if a signal has diverted the output to said second output channel; conduit means connecting said signal output channel of said first fluidic timer means to the first control input channel of said third memory means; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said second control input channel of said third memory means; second fluidic timer means for generating a signal at the same rate of frequency as said first fluidic timer means but intermediate said signals of said first fluidic timer means and having a signal output channel and a throughput channel; second trigger means having a first and a second output channel for passage of output flow through alternatively said first and second channels during the time that the trigger is released and having control input channels whereby when a signal is applied to any control channel its corresponding throughput output channel is blocked and has no flow in it; conduit means connecting the first and second output channels of said third memory means to control input channels of said second trigger means; conduit means connecting said throughput channel of said second timer means to control input channels of said second trigger means; conduit means connecting said signal output channel of said second timer means to said second control input channel of said first memory means; fourth memory means having first and second control input channels mounted in opposition and first and second output channels similar to said third memory means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said second trigger means to the first input channel of saiD fourth memory means; and conduit means connecting the second output channel of said second trigger means to the second input channel of said fourth memory means.

Claim 57

Apparatus for signal storage and handling comprising: a fluid signal means for generating a fluidic signal in response to the happening of an event and having an output channel; a first bistable amplifier having one input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connected between the output channel of said fluid signal means and the first input control channel of said first bistable amplifier; a first signal generating means for generating signals of a fixed periodicity and having an output channel; a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for allowing passage of fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said first signal generating means to said single input control channel of said first NOR gate; a second bistable amplifier having one input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said second bistable amplifier; a second signal generating means for generating signals of the same periodicity as said first signal generating means and having an output channel; a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput output channel for channeling fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said second signal generating means to said single input control channel of said second NOR gate; conduit means connecting the output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluid signal means to the second input control channel of said second bistable amplifier; a third NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting a first output channel of said first bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said third NOR gate; a fourth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said fourth NOR gate; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said first NOR gate to the second input control channel of each of said first and second two input control channel NOR gates; a third bistable amplifier having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said third NOR gate to the first input channel of said third bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said fourth NOR gate to the second input channel of said third bistable amplifier; a fifth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is appliEd to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said second bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said fifth NOR gate; a sixth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said second bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said sixth NOR gate; conduit means connecting the output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said fifth and sixth NOR gates; a fourth bistable amplifier having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said fifth NOR gate to the first input channel of said fourth bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the throughput output channel of said sixth NOR gate to the second input channel of said fourth bistable amplifier.

Claim 58

Apparatus for signal storage and handling comprising: a fluid signal means for generating a fluidic signal in response to the happening of an event and having an output channel; a first bistable amplifier having one input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connected between the output channel of said fluid signal means and the first input control channel of said first bistable amplifier; a first signal generating means for generating signals of a fixed periodicity and having an output channel; a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for allowing passage of fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said first signal generating means to said single input control channel of said first NOR gate; a second bistable amplifier having one input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said second bistable amplifier; a second signal generating means for generating signals of the same periodicity as said first signal generating means and having an output channel; a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput output channel for channeling fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said second signal generating means to said single input control channel of said second NOR gate; conduit means connecting the output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the output channel of said fluid signal means to the second input control channel of said second bistable amplifier; a third NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting a first output channel of said first bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said third NOR gate; a fourth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said fourth NOR gate; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said first NOR gate to the second input control channel of each of said first and second two input control channel NOR gates; a third bistable amplifier having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said third NOR gate to the first input channel of said third bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said fourth NOR gate to the second input channel of said third bistable amplifier; a fifth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is appliEd to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling fluidic output when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said second bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said fifth NOR gate; a sixth NOR gate having a first and a second input control channel, an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input control channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said second bistable amplifier to the first input control channel of said sixth NOR gate; conduit means connecting the output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said fifth and sixth NOR gates; a fourth bistable amplifier having a first input control channel in opposition to a second input control channel and a first and second output channel; conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said fifth NOR gate to the first input channel of said fourth bistable amplifier; conduit means connecting the throughput output channel of said sixth NOR gate to the second input channel of said fourth bistable amplifier.

Claim 59

Apparatus for signal storage and handling as set forth in claim 11 further comprising: a seventh NOR gate having a first and second input control channel, a first output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is applied to either of said input channels and a throughput channel for channeling said output when no signal is applied to said input channels; conduit means connecting the first said output channel of said third bistable amplifier to the first input channel of said seventh NOR gate; and conduit means connecting the first output channel of said fourth bistable amplifier to the second input channel of said seventh NOR gate.

Claim 60

A control circuit for signal storage and handling comprising: a fluid signal means for generating a fluidic signal in response to the happening of a periodically occurring event and having an output channel; a first memory means having a first and a second input control channel mounted in opposition to each other and a first and a second output channel whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; a second memory means having a first and a second control channel mounted in opposition to each other and a first and a second output channel whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said first input control channel of said first memory means; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said first input control channel of said second memory means; a first fluidic signal generating means for generating signals at about the same periodicity as said periodically occurring event and having an output channel; a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and a first output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a second output channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluidic signal generating means to said input control channel of said first NOR gate; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input channel of said second memory means whereby a reset signal may be conducted from said first NOR gate to said second memory means; a second fluidic signal generating means for generating a repeating fluidic signal at a spaced interval from said first periodic signal; a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and a first output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said single input channel and a second output channel for allowing passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input channel of said first memory means whereby a reset signal may be conducted from said second NOR gate to said first memory means; first trigger means having input channels for receiving the output of said first memory means, and having two throughput channels for alternatively conducting throughput through one or the other throughput channel depending upon which output channel of said first memory means is conducting; conduit means connecting said second output channel of said first NOR gate to said trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said first memory means to said first trigger means whereby one throughput channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first memory means to said first trigger means whereby the second throughput channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit; a third memory means for avoiding oscillation of the output of the control circuit each time that an event happens and having a first input control channel and a second input control channel in opposition to each other, and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second channel depending upon which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; second trigger means having input channels for receiving the output of said second memory means and having two throughput channels for alternately conducting throughput through one or the other throughput channel depending upon which output channel of said second memory means is conducting; conduit means connecting said second output of said first NOR gate to said trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means are blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said first memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the output of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; a fourth memory means for avoiding oscillation of the output of the control circuit each time that an event happens and having a first input control channel and a second input control channel in opposition to each other and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second channel depending upon which of said first or second control channels last received a signal; conduit means connecting said second output of said second NOR gate to input channels of said first trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means are blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the first output channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit; conduit means connecting said second output channel of said second memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the second output channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second trigger tO the first input channel of said fourth memory means; and, conduit means connecting said second output channel of said second trigger means to the second input channel of said fourth memory means.

Claim 61

A control circuit for signal storage and handling comprising: a fluid signal means for generating a fluidic signal in response to the happening of a periodically occurring event and having an output channel; a first memory means having a first and a second input control channel mounted in opposition to each other and a first and a second output channel whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; a second memory means having a first and a second control channel mounted in opposition to each other and a first and a second output channel whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second output channel depending on which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said first input control channel of said first memory means; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluid signal means to said first input control channel of said second memory means; a first fluidic signal generating means for generating signals at about the same periodicity as said periodically occurring event and having an output channel; a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and a first output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a second output channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said output channel of said fluidic signal generating means to said input control channel of said first NOR gate; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input channel of said second memory means whereby a reset signal may be conducted from said first NOR gate to said second memory means; a second fluidic signal generating means for generating a repeating fluidic signal at a spaced interval from said first periodic signal; a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and a first output channel for channeling output when a signal is conducted into said single input channel and a second output channel for allowing passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input channel of said first memory means whereby a reset signal may be conducted from said second NOR gate to said first memory means; first trigger means having input channels for receiving the output of said first memory means, and having two throughput channels for alternatively conducting throughput through one or the other throughput channel depending upon which output channel of said first memory means is conducting; conduit means connecting said second output channel of said first NOR gate to said trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said first memory means to said first trigger means whereby one throughput channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the second output channel of said first memory means to said first trigger means whereby the second throughput channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit; a third memory means for avoiding oscillation of the output of the control circuit each time that an event happens and having a first input control channel and a second input control channel in opposition to each other, and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second channel depending upon which of said first or second signal control channels last received a signal; second trigger means having input channels for receiving the output of said second memory means and having two throughput channels for alternately conducting throughput through one or the other throughput channel depending upon which output channel of said second memory means is conducting; conduit means connecting said second output of said first NOR gate to said trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means are blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting the first output channel of said first memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the output of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; a fourth memory means for avoiding oscillation of the output of the control circuit each time that an event happens and having a first input control channel and a second input control channel in opposition to each other and first and second output channels whereby the output flow passes through either said first or said second channel depending upon which of said first or second control channels last received a signal; conduit means connecting said second output of said second NOR gate to input channels of said first trigger means whereby the throughput channels of said trigger means are blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the first output channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit; conduit means connecting said second output channel of said second memory means to an input channel of said second trigger means whereby the second output channel of said trigger means is blocked when a signal is conducted through said conduit means; conduit means connecting said first output channel of said second trigger tO the first input channel of said fourth memory means; and, conduit means connecting said second output channel of said second trigger means to the second input channel of said fourth memory means.

Claim 62

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: signal control means comprising: a first and a second NOR gate each having an input control channel, an output channel for conducting fluidic output when a signal is applied to said input control channel and a throughput channel for conducting said output when no signal is applied to said input channel, a first bistable amplifier means having a first and a second input control channel and a first and a second output channel, and triggering means controlled by said signal control means for selectively inhibiting the output of said first bistable amplifier means and having input means and output means, conduit means for conducting the output of said output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said first bistable amplifier means, conduit means for conducting the output of said output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first bistable amplifier means whereby the output of said first bistable amplifier goes through said first or second output channel, conduit means for conducting output of said first output channel of said first bistable amplifier means to a first part of the input means of said triggering means, conduit means for conducting the output of said second output channel of said first bistable amplifier means to a second part of the input means of said triggering means, a second bistable amplifier means for converting the output of said triggering means to a stronger unilateral control signal; and conduit means for connecting the outputs of said triggering means to the inputs of said second bistable amplifier means.

Claim 63

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: signal control means comprising: a first and a second NOR gate each having an input control channel, an output channel for conducting fluidic output when a signal is applied to said input control channel and a throughput channel for conducting said output when no signal is applied to said input channel, a first bistable amplifier means having a first and a second input control channel and a first and a second output channel, and triggering means controlled by said signal control means for selectively inhibiting the output of said first bistable amplifier means and having input means and output means, conduit means for conducting the output of said output channel of said first NOR gate to the first input control channel of said first bistable amplifier means, conduit means for conducting the output of said output channel of said second NOR gate to the second input control channel of said first bistable amplifier means whereby the output of said first bistable amplifier goes through said first or second output channel, conduit means for conducting output of said first output channel of said first bistable amplifier means to a first part of the input means of said triggering means, conduit means for conducting the output of said second output channel of said first bistable amplifier means to a second part of the input means of said triggering means, a second bistable amplifier means for converting the output of said triggering means to a stronger unilateral control signal; and conduit means for connecting the outputs of said triggering means to the inputs of said second bistable amplifier means.

Claim 64

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling set forth in claim 14 in which said triggering means comprises: a third and fourth NOR gate each having a first and a second control input channel, a control output channel for conducting fluidic output when a signal is applied to said first or second control input channel and a throughput channel for conducting said output when a signal is applied to said first or second input channel; a fifth NOR gate having a signal control input channel, a control output channel and a throughput channel; a first conduit means connecting a fluidic signal output of said signal input means to the control input channel of said fifth NOR gate; second conduit means connecting an input channel of said third NOR gate to said first output channel of said second bistable amplifier; third conduit means connecting an input channel of said fourth NOR gate to the second output channel of said second bistable amplifier; fourth conduit means connecting the throughput channel of said fifth NOR gate to the second control input channel of each of said third and fourth NOR gates.

Claim 65

A fluidic circuit for signal storing and handling as set forth in claim 15 comprising further: a detector signal pick-up means for giving rise to a signal upon the happening of an event in a sequence of events and having an output channel; conduit means connecting the output channel of said signal pick-up means to the input control channel of said second NOR gate, a first fluidic timer means having an output channel and operating to give a signal in a speed synchronism and approximate relative phase synchronism with the sequence of events; conduit means connecting the output channel of said first timer means to the input control channel of said fifth NOR gate; a second fluidic timer means operating at the same repetitive speed as said first timer means and out of phase with said first timer means, whereby the signals from said first and second timer means arise at different times; and conduit means connecting the output channel of said second timer means to the input control channel of said first NOR gate.

Claim 66

A control circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: fluidic signal means for generating an indicator signal in response to the happening of each of a series of periodically occurring events and having an output channel, a first fluidic signal generating means for generating signals at about the same periodicity as said periodically occurring event and having an output channel, a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel, a second fluidic signal generating means for generating a repeating fluidic signal at a spaced interval from said first fluidic signal, a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel, a first fluidic circuit means having a fluidic signal input channel and timer signal input means for controlling a function in response to the presence or absence of said indicator signal in response to the happening or not happening of alternate events of said series of periodically occurring events, first means connecting said output means of said fluidic signal means to said fluidic signal input channel of said first fluidic circuit; second means for connecting said throughput channel of said first NOR gate to said timer signal input means of said first fluidic circuit, third means connecting said output channel of said second NOR gate to said timer input means of said first fluidic circuit, a second fluidic circuit means having a fluidic signal input channel and timer signal input means for controlling a function in response to the presence or absence of said indicator signal in response to the happening or not happening of the remaining events of said series of periodically occurring events, a fourth means connecting said output means of said fluidic signal means to said fluidic signal input channel of said second fluidic circuit, a fifth means connecting said throughput channel of said first NOR gate to said timer signal input means of said second fluidic circuit, and a sixth means connecting said output channel of said first NOR gate to said timer input means of said second fluidic circuit.

Claim 67

A control circuit for signal storing and handling comprising: fluidic signal means for generating an indicator signal in response to the happening of each of a series of periodically occurring events and having an output channel, a first fluidic signal generating means for generating signals at about the same periodicity as said periodically occurring event and having an output channel, a first NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel, a second fluidic signal generating means for generating a repeating fluidic signal at a spaced interval from said first fluidic signal, a second NOR gate having a single input control channel and an output channel for channeling fluidic output when a signal is conducted into said input control channel and a throughput channel for passage of fluidic throughput when no signal is applied to said input control channel, a first fluidic circuit means having a fluidic signal input channel and timer signal input means for controlling a function in response to the presence or absence of said indicator signal in response to the happening or not happening of alternate events of said series of periodically occurring events, first means connecting said output means of said fluidic signal means to said fluidic signal input channel of said first fluidic circuit; second means for connecting said throughput channel of said first NOR gate to said timer signal input means of said first fluidic circuit, third means connecting said output channel of said second NOR gate to said timer input means of said first fluidic circuit, a second fluidic circuit means having a fluidic signal input channel and timer signal input means for controlling a function in response to the presence or absence of said indicator signal in response to the happening or not happening of the remaining events of said series of periodically occurring events, a fourth means connecting said output means of said fluidic signal means to said fluidic signal input channel of said second fluidic circuit, a fifth means connecting said throughput channel of said first NOR gate to said timer signal input means of said second fluidic circuit, and a sixth means connecting said output channel of said first NOR gate to said timer input means of said second fluidic circuit.

Claim 70

A method for controlling the operation of a device in response to the happening of each of a series of events as set forth in claim 18 in which; said step of combining and processing said signals comprises the steps of:

Claim 71

A method for controlling the operation of a device in response to the happening of each of a series of events as set forth in claim 19 in which; said step of periodically blocking the output of each of said further means comprising the steps of:

Claim 72

A method for controlling the operation of a device in response to the happening of an event as set forth in claim 18 in which; said step of combining said signals comprises the steps of:

Claim 73

A method for controlling the operation of a fluidically controlled device in response to the happening of each of a sequence of events as set forth in claim 21 in which; said step of conducting said fluidic signals to the control input of a bistable amplifier means comprises the steps of: