Digital readout system for analytical measuring instruments

Claim 2

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readout system; circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for setting the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing mode when the measurement signal values begin to increase and for setting the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing mode when the measurement signal values begin to decrease; and circuit means responsive to the setting of the mode control circuit means for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 3

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maxiumum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the digital signals representing these maximum values to the output terminal means, and circuit means operative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal and responsive to the repetitive signal during each sampling interval for disabling the transfer of digital signals to the output terminal means until the occurrence of a sampling interval which includes at least a predetermined number of repetitions of the repetitive signal, whereby the system is prevented from producing an output digital signal for an increasing fluctuation having less than a predetermined maximum value.

Claim 4

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maxiumum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the digital signals representing these maximum values to the output terminal means, and circuit means operative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal and responsive to the repetitive signal during each sampling interval for disabling the transfer of digital signals to the output terminal means until the occurrence of a sampling interval which includes at least a predetermined number of repetitions of the repetitive signal, whereby the system is prevented from producing an output digital signal for an increasing fluctuation having less than a predetermined maximum value.

Claim 5

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the digital signals representing these maximum values to the output terminal means; timing circuit means for establishing the periodic sampling intervals; and circuit means coupled to the timing circuit means and opeRative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal for disabling the transfer of digital signals to the output terminal means until a predetermined minimum number of sampling intervals have occurred for each such increasing fluctuation, whereby the system is prevented from producing an output digital signal for an increasing fluctuation for which less than a predetermined number of sampling intervals have occurred.

Claim 6

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the digital signals representing these maximum values to the output terminal means; timing circuit means for establishing the periodic sampling intervals; and circuit means coupled to the timing circuit means and opeRative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal for disabling the transfer of digital signals to the output terminal means until a predetermined minimum number of sampling intervals have occurred for each such increasing fluctuation, whereby the system is prevented from producing an output digital signal for an increasing fluctuation for which less than a predetermined number of sampling intervals have occurred.

Claim 7

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval becomes less than a predetermined fraction of the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means, whereby the output terminal means is supplied with a digital signal representing the maximum value of a peak in the measurement signal.

Claim 8

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval becomes less than a predetermined fraction of the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means, whereby the output terminal means is supplied with a digital signal representing the maximum value of a peak in the measurement signal.

Claim 9

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval exceeds by a predetermined fraction the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means, whereby the output terminal means is supplied with a digital signal representing the minimum value of a valley in the measurement signal.

Claim 10

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval exceeds by a predetermined fraction the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means, whereby the output terminal means is supplied with a digital signal representing the minimum value of a valley in the measurement signal.

Claim 11

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readout system; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and operative during the peak sensing mode for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and operative during the peak sensing mode for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system and for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing mode when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval becomes less than a predetermined fraction of the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing mode when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval exceeds by a predetermined fraction the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means.

Claim 12

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readout system; circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and operative during the peak sensing mode for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and operative during the peak sensing mode for transferring the digital signal from the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system and for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing mode when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval becomes less than a predetermined fraction of the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing mode when the number of repetitive signal repetitions during a sampling interval exceeds by a predetermined fraction the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means.

Claim 13

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the second counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this second memory circuit means; comparing circuit means coupled to the second memory circuit means and responsive to the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 14

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the second counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this second memory circuit means; comparing circuit means coupled to the second memory circuit means and responsive to the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 15

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is less than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the re-petitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; comparing circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 16

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is less than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the re-petitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; comparing circuit means coupled to the memory circuit means and responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 17

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readouT system and producing corresponding peak mode and valley mode control signals; first memory circuit means operative during the peak sensing mode for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is less than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the numbers of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the second counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this second memory circuit means; comparing circuit means responsive to the peak mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing mode when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing mode when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the switching of the mode control circuit means from the peak sensing mode to the valley sensing mode for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 18

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readouT system and producing corresponding peak mode and valley mode control signals; first memory circuit means operative during the peak sensing mode for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means and operative during the valley sensing mode for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is less than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the numbers of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal produced by the second counting circuit means when the number represented by such signal is greater than the number represented by the signal previously stored in this second memory circuit means; comparing circuit means responsive to the peak mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing mode when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing mode when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the switching of the mode control circuit means from the peak sensing mode to the valley sensing mode for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 19

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; first transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the first memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the first transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greatEr than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; second transfer circuit means responsive to the transfer signals produced by the first comparing circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the second counting circuit means to the second memory circuit means upon the occurrence of such a transfer signal; second comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 20

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; first transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the first memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the first transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greatEr than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; second transfer circuit means responsive to the transfer signals produced by the first comparing circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the second counting circuit means to the second memory circuit means upon the occurrence of such a transfer signal; second comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 21

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 22

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for supplying to the transfer circuit means a transfer signal immediately following each sampling interval wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a readout command signal when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the readout command signal for transferring the digital signal in the memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 23

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measuremenT signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readout system and for producing peak mode and valley mode control signals during the occurrence of these respective operating modes; first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; first transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the first memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and responsive to the peak mode control signal for producing a transfer signal and supplying same to the first transfer circuit means immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for producing a transfer signal and supplying same to the first transfer circuit means immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; second transfer circuit means responsive to the transfer signals produced by the first comparing circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the second counting circuit means to the second memory circuit means upon the occurrence of such a transfer signal; second comparing circuit means responsive to the peak mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing operating mode when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing operating mode when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the switching of the mode control circuit means from the peak sensing mode to the valley sensing mode for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 24

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument which produces a fluctuating measurement signal comprising: converter circuit means responsive to the measuremenT signal for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; counting circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means comprising: mode control circuit means for establishing peak sensing and valley sensing operating modes for the readout system and for producing peak mode and valley mode control signals during the occurrence of these respective operating modes; first memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; first transfer circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the counting circuit means to the first memory circuit means upon receipt of a transfer signal; first comparing circuit means for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals and responsive to the peak mode control signal for producing a transfer signal and supplying same to the first transfer circuit means immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for producing a transfer signal and supplying same to the first transfer circuit means immediately following each sampling interval, wherein the number of repetitive signal repetitions is less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; rate multiplier circuit means responsive to the repetitive signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate which is a predetermined fraction of the repetition rate of the first repetitive signal; second counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; second memory circuit means for storing the most recent digital signal transferred thereto; second transfer circuit means responsive to the transfer signals produced by the first comparing circuit means for transferring a digital signal from the second counting circuit means to the second memory circuit means upon the occurrence of such a transfer signal; second comparing circuit means responsive to the peak mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the valley sensing operating mode when the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes less than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the second memory circuit means, and responsive to the valley mode control signal for comparing the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means with the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for switching the mode control circuit means to the peak sensing operating mode when the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during a sampling interval becomes greater than the number represented by the digital signal stored in the first memory circuit means; and circuit means responsive to the switching of the mode control circuit means from the peak sensing mode to the valley sensing mode for transferring the digital signal in the first memory circuit means to the output terminal means for the readout system.

Claim 25

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying timing signals at a constant rate; counting circuit means for counting the timing signals; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of the second repetitive signal repetitions during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals for controlling the flow of timing signals from the timing circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 26

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying timing signals at a constant rate; counting circuit means for counting the timing signals; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of the second repetitive signal repetitions during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals for controlling the flow of timing signals from the timing circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 27

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the control effect signal; and counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the third repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for develoing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 28

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the control effect signal; and counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the third repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for develoing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 29

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing thE control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying a repetitive timing signal having a constant repetition rate; counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitive signal repetitions during the responsive sampling intervals; gating circuit means having an input and an output and being responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for allowing passage of a signal from its input to its output only during the occurence of such gating signals; squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the control effect signal; and switch means having: a first setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a second setting for coupling the output of the timing circuit means to the input of the gating circuit means and for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means for developing digital signals representing the numbers inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, and a third setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means and for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 30

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing thE control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying a repetitive timing signal having a constant repetition rate; counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of the second repetitive signal occurring during the periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such numbers; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitive signal repetitions during the responsive sampling intervals; gating circuit means having an input and an output and being responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for allowing passage of a signal from its input to its output only during the occurence of such gating signals; squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the control effect signal; and switch means having: a first setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a second setting for coupling the output of the timing circuit means to the input of the gating circuit means and for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means for developing digital signals representing the numbers inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, and a third setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means and for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 31

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a pair of variable control effects and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and first and secon control effect signals representing the magnitudes of the pair of control effects comprising: first and second converter circuit means responsive to the first and second control effect signals, respectively, for producing first and second repetitive signals having repetition rates dependent on the amplitudes of the respective first and second control effect signals; circuit means responsive to both of the repetitives signals during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ration of the squaRe of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; fourth signal converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a fourth repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the fourth repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the second control effect signal; counting circuit means for counting the repetitions of the third repetitive signal; computing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for controlling the flow of the third repetitive signal from the squaring circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of the square of the second control effect signal to the first control ffect signal during the successive sampling intervals.

Claim 32

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a pair of variable control effects and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and first and secon control effect signals representing the magnitudes of the pair of control effects comprising: first and second converter circuit means responsive to the first and second control effect signals, respectively, for producing first and second repetitive signals having repetition rates dependent on the amplitudes of the respective first and second control effect signals; circuit means responsive to both of the repetitives signals during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ration of the squaRe of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; fourth signal converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a fourth repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the fourth repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate proportional to the square of the amplitude of the second control effect signal; counting circuit means for counting the repetitions of the third repetitive signal; computing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for controlling the flow of the third repetitive signal from the squaring circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of the square of the second control effect signal to the first control ffect signal during the successive sampling intervals.

Claim 33

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a pair of variable control effects and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and first and second control effect signals representing the magnitudes of the pair of control effects comprising: first and second converter circuit means responsive to the first and second control effect signals, respectively, for producing first and second repetitive signals having repetition rates dependent on the amplitudes of the respective first and second control effect signals; circuit means responsive to both of the repetitive signals during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of the square of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; fourth signal converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a fourth repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; exteme value sensing circuit means responsive to the fourth repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying a repetitive timing signal having a constant repetition rate; counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of a repetitive signal occurring during the periodice sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such nubmers; computing circuit means responsive to a repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitions of the received repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; gating circuit means having an input and an output and responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for allowing passage of a signal from its input to its output only during the occurrence of such gating signals; squaring circuit means responsive to a repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate which varies as the square of the variation of the repetition rate of the received repetitive signal; and switch means having: a first setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the first converter circuit means for counting the repetitions of the first repetitive signal during each sampling interval for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a second setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the second converter circuit means for counting the repetitions of the second repetitive signal during each sampling interval for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the second control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a third setting for coupling the input of the gating circuit means to the output of the timing circuit means, for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means, for coupling the input of the counting circuit means, and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the first converter circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a fourth setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means, and for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are porportional to the square of the amplitude values of the second control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, and a fifth setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means, for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the gating circuit means, for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means, and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the first converter circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of square of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 34

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a pair of variable control effects and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and first and second control effect signals representing the magnitudes of the pair of control effects comprising: first and second converter circuit means responsive to the first and second control effect signals, respectively, for producing first and second repetitive signals having repetition rates dependent on the amplitudes of the respective first and second control effect signals; circuit means responsive to both of the repetitive signals during periodic sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of the square of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; fourth signal converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a fourth repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; exteme value sensing circuit means responsive to the fourth repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means for developing digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying a repetitive timing signal having a constant repetition rate; counting circuit means for counting the number of repetitions of a repetitive signal occurring during the periodice sampling intervals for developing digital signals representing such nubmers; computing circuit means responsive to a repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having durations which are inversely proportional to the number of repetitions of the received repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; gating circuit means having an input and an output and responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for allowing passage of a signal from its input to its output only during the occurrence of such gating signals; squaring circuit means responsive to a repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a repetitive signal having a repetition rate which varies as the square of the variation of the repetition rate of the received repetitive signal; and switch means having: a first setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the first converter circuit means for counting the repetitions of the first repetitive signal during each sampling interval for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a second setting for coupling the counting circuit means to the second converter circuit means for counting the repetitions of the second repetitive signal during each sampling interval for developing digital signals representing numbers proportional to the amplitude values of the second control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a third setting for coupling the input of the gating circuit means to the output of the timing circuit means, for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means, for coupling the input of the counting circuit means, and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the first converter circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, a fourth setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means, and for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers which are porportional to the square of the amplitude values of the second control effect signal during the different sampling intervals, and a fifth setting for coupling the input of the squaring circuit means to the output of the second converter circuit means, for coupling the output of the squaring circuit means to the input of the gating circuit means, for coupling the output of the gating circuit means to the input of the counting circuit means, and for coupling the input of the computing circuit means to the output of the first converter circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop digital signals representing numbers proportional to the values of the ratio of square of the second control effect signal to the first control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 35

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the first and second digital signals existing at the occurence of these maximum values to the output terminal means; and circuit means operative at the begining of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal and responsive to the first repetitive signal during each sampling interval for disabling the transfer of first and second digitial signals to the output terminal means until the occurrence of a sampling interval which includes at least a predetermined number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal, whereby the system is prevented from producing output digital signals for an increasing fluctuation having less than a predetermined maximum value.

Claim 36

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the first and second digital signals existing at the occurence of these maximum values to the output terminal means; and circuit means operative at the begining of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal and responsive to the first repetitive signal during each sampling interval for disabling the transfer of first and second digitial signals to the output terminal means until the occurrence of a sampling interval which includes at least a predetermined number of repetitions of the first repetitive signal, whereby the system is prevented from producing output digital signals for an increasing fluctuation having less than a predetermined maximum value.

Claim 37

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the first and second digital signals existing at the occurrence of these maximum values to the output terminal means; timing circuit means for extablishing the periodic sampling intervals; and circuit means coupled to the timing circuit means and operative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal for disabling the transfer of first and second digital signals to the output terminal means until a predetermined minimum number of sampling intervals have occurred for each such increasing fluctuation, whereby the system is prevented from producing output digital signals for an increasing fluctuation for which less than a predetermined number of sampling intervals have occurred.

Claim 38

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said extreme value sensing circuit means operating to detect the occurrence of maximum values of peaks in the measurement signal and to transfer the first and second digital signals existing at the occurrence of these maximum values to the output terminal means; timing circuit means for extablishing the periodic sampling intervals; and circuit means coupled to the timing circuit means and operative at the beginning of each increasing fluctuation in the measurement signal for disabling the transfer of first and second digital signals to the output terminal means until a predetermined minimum number of sampling intervals have occurred for each such increasing fluctuation, whereby the system is prevented from producing output digital signals for an increasing fluctuation for which less than a predetermined number of sampling intervals have occurred.

Claim 39

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first re-petitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second rePetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal for developing second digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying timing signals at a constant rate; counting circuit means for counting these timing signals; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having duration which are inversely proportional to the numbers of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for controlling the flow of timing signals from the timing circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop second digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 40

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means responsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first re-petitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second rePetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal for developing second digital signals comprising: timing circuit means for supplying timing signals at a constant rate; counting circuit means for counting these timing signals; computing circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the periodic sampling intervals for developing gating signals having duration which are inversely proportional to the numbers of repetitions of the second repetitive signal during the respective sampling intervals; and gating circuit means responsive to the gating signals developed by the computing circuit means for controlling the flow of timing signals from the timing circuit means to the counting circuit means for causing the counting circuit means to develop second digital signals representing numbers which are inversely proportional to the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 41

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means resonsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means responsive to the second comprising: repetitive signal for developing second digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate which varies as the square of the variation of the repetition rate of the second repetitive signal; and counting circuit means for counting the numbers of repetitions of the third repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.

Claim 42

A digital readout system for use with an analytical measuring instrument wherein a sample being analyzed is subjected to a varying control effect and wherein the analytical measuring instrument produces a fluctuating measurement signal and a control effect signal representing the control effect variation comprising: first converter circuit means responsive to the measurement signal for producing a first repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the measurement signal; second converter circuit means resonsive to the control effect signal for producing a second repetitive signal having a repetition rate dependent on the amplitude of the control effect signal; counting circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal during periodic sampling intervals for developing first digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the measurement signal during the successive sampling intervals; circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals dependent on the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the successive sampling intervals; extreme value sensing circuit means responsive to the first repetitive signal for transferring selected ones of the first and second digital signals to output terminal means for the readout system; said circuit means responsive to the second comprising: repetitive signal for developing second digital signals comprising: squaring circuit means responsive to the second repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for producing a third repetitive signal having a repetition rate which varies as the square of the variation of the repetition rate of the second repetitive signal; and counting circuit means for counting the numbers of repetitions of the third repetitive signal during the sampling intervals for developing second digital signals representing numbers proportional to the square of the amplitude values of the control effect signal during the different sampling intervals.