Communication among computers

Claim 1

In a multiple computer system which includes n computers, in combination: n control circuits, each connected to a different computer, each j''th such circuit having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the j- 1''th control circuit and an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the j+ 1''th control circuit, where j 1, 2 . . . n; means in each control circuit receptive of a control signal manifestation at its input terminal for applying a corresponding signal manifestation to its output terminal, said means comprising delay means and a pulse generator coupled to said delay means; a communications channel common to all computers to which said computers are all coupled; and means in each control circuit responsive to a signal from its computer requesting access to said channel, for indicating to its computer, upon receipt of a control signal manifestation, that it may have access to said channel and for concurrently preventing that control circuit from applying said corresponding signal manifestaTion to its output terminal until the computer has completed its period of access to the channel, said means including means for initially preventing the application of an input signal to said pulse generator, and means for applying a signal to said pulse generator for activating the latter when said computer has completed its period of access to the channel.