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US3732355A
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Inhibitable random pulse generator
Assignee: Zenith Electronics LLC
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Filing: 1971-10-22
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Granted: 1973-05-08
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Expires: 1991-10-22
Abstract
Abstract An inhibitable random pulse generator for use in a subscription television system or the like generates an output pulse indicative of a random one of a series of possible counting states, one or more of which may be inhibited to narrow selection to the remaining states. A counter included in the generator first has random noise applied to it for a predetermined period of time, leaving the counter in an unpredictable random counting state. Stepping pulses are then applied to step the counter to the first uninhibited state, at which time counting action ceases and a representative output pulse is developed. Provision is made for disabling the application of noise during the first predetermined period to obtain non-random operation of the counter for test purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 H Harna
- 👤 R Merrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:18
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/167; H04N7/169; H03; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/84; H04L; H04L9/00; H04L9/06; H04L9/065; H04L9/0656; H04L9/0662
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator for use in a subscription television system or the like, comprising: an electric counter responsive to an applied signal for cyclically stepping through a series of predetermined counting states; a source of random noise pulses; means for applying said noise pulses to said counter for a predetermined period of time to step said counter to a random unpredictable one of said counting states; means for inhibiting selected ones of said states; a source of stepping pulses; and means for applying said stepping pulses to said counter to step said counter to the first non-inhibited one of said series of counting states.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator for use in a subscription television system or the like, comprising: an electric counter responsive to an applied signal for cyclically stepping through a series of predetermined counting states; a source of random noise pulses; means for applying said noise pulses to said counter for a predetermined period of time to step said counter to a random unpredictable one of said counting states; means for inhibiting selected ones of said states; a source of stepping pulses; and means for applying said stepping pulses to said counter to step said counter to the first non-inhibited one of said series of counting states.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 1 wherein said counter includes means for generating respective control effects for each of said counting states, and means for translating said control effects to a common output terminal; said inhibiting means inhibits the translation of said control effects for said selected ones of said states; and said stepping means includes means for preventing further stepping of said counter upon the translation of one of said control effects to said common output terminal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 2 wherein said control effects comprise control signals, said inhibiting means comprise electric switching means associated with respective ones of said generating means, and said means for preventing further stepping of said counter are responsive to said control signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 3 wherein said counter is a multi-stage binary counter and said disabling means comprise means for disabling the input stage of said counter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 1 wherein said means for applying said noise pulses comprises a first gate element open only during said first predetermined period; and wherein said source of stepping pulses is coupled to said counter by a second gate element open only during a second predetermined period not overlapping said first predetermined period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 5 wherein switching means are further included for alternately rendering either said first gate or said second gate conductive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 6 wherein said switching means comprise a multivibrator responsive to an externally applied control signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 7 wherein said control signal occurs immediately prior to said first predetermined time period.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 8 wherein said control signal returns said counter to a predetermined counting state prior to said first predetermined time period.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 7 wherein said multivibrator is a monostable device having a switching rate corresponding to said first predetermined period and said control signal is a horizontal retrace pulse.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 7 wherein said control signal re-occurs at intervals substantially corresponding to the sum of said first and second predetermined time periods.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
An inhibitable random pulse generator as described in claim 1 wherein is further provided means for selectively preventing the application of noise pulses to said counter during said first predetermined period of time to cause said counter to cyclically assume all of said non-inhibited counting states.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3614316A
Cited
US3538242A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |