US3768013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-linear function generator
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1971-02-11
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1991-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A circuit for producing a non-linear output signal in response to a linear input signal which may be used, for example, to increase the sensitivity of a meter or other modulating circuit to a particular range or ranges of a linear input signal. The circuit includes two current paths feeding the load or meter circuit. The first current path carries a current inversely proportional to the input signal, and the magnitude of the load or meter current carried by the second current path is determined by a control circuit responsive to the input signal.
Inventors
- 👤 G Kessler
- 👤 J Stratton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/26; G06G7/28; G01; G01R; G01R15/00; G01R15/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
213 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal from a linear electrical input signal comprising: first terminal means having first and second terminals for connecting said apparatus to a source of electrical power, said second terminal being connected to a common point; a load having first and second terminals; means for connecting said first terminal of said load to said first terminal of said first terminal means; a first circuit path having first and second ends; a second circuit path having first and second ends, said second ends of said first and second circuit paths being connected to said second terminal of said load, said first end of said second circuit path connected to said common point; second terminal means in the first circuit path for applying the linear electrical input signal to said first circuit path between the first end of said first circuit path and said common point; means connected to said first end of said second circuit path and responsive to the amplitude of the linear electrical input signal for varying the rate of change of current in the second circuit path to vary the rate of change of the output signal with respect to said linear electric input signal when said linear electric input signal exceeds a predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
213 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal from a linear electrical input signal comprising: first terminal means having first and second terminals for connecting said apparatus to a source of electrical power, said second terminal being connected to a common point; a load having first and second terminals; means for connecting said first terminal of said load to said first terminal of said first terminal means; a first circuit path having first and second ends; a second circuit path having first and second ends, said second ends of said first and second circuit paths being connected to said second terminal of said load, said first end of said second circuit path connected to said common point; second terminal means in the first circuit path for applying the linear electrical input signal to said first circuit path between the first end of said first circuit path and said common point; means connected to said first end of said second circuit path and responsive to the amplitude of the linear electrical input signal for varying the rate of change of current in the second circuit path to vary the rate of change of the output signal with respect to said linear electric input signal when said linear electric input signal exceeds a predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal from a linear electrical input signal as recited in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to the amplitude of the linear electrical input signal comprises a differential amplifier having first and second inputs, and an output, and means for applying a bias voltage to said first input and means for applying the linear electrical input signal to said second input.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electrical input signal as recited in claim 2 wherein said differential amplifier includes a feedback circuit, said feedback circuit including a reversely biased diode which becomes conductive to complete the feedback circuit upon the output signal of said differential amplifier exceeding a predetermined level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electrical input signal as recited in Claim 3 wherein said output of said differential amplifier is isolated from said second circuit path by a diode until said linear electrical input signal excEeds said predetermined level.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
208 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electric input signal, comprising: means for connecting said apparatus to a direct current power supply including means for coupling one terminal of said power supply to a common point; a load having first and second terminals, said output signal being taken across said load, said first terminal of said load being connected to said connecting means; a first circuit path having an input and an output, means for connecting the linear electric input signal between said input of said first circuit path and a common point and said output of said first circuit path being connected to said second terminal of said load; a second circuit path having first and second ends, said first end being connected to said second terminal of said load and said second end being connected to said common point; and a differential amplifier circuit means for changing the rate of change of current in said second circuit path when the linear input signal exceeds a predetermined level so as to vary the amount of current drawn through the load by said second circuit path and thereby to vary the relationship between the output signal and the linear electrical input signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
208 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electric input signal, comprising: means for connecting said apparatus to a direct current power supply including means for coupling one terminal of said power supply to a common point; a load having first and second terminals, said output signal being taken across said load, said first terminal of said load being connected to said connecting means; a first circuit path having an input and an output, means for connecting the linear electric input signal between said input of said first circuit path and a common point and said output of said first circuit path being connected to said second terminal of said load; a second circuit path having first and second ends, said first end being connected to said second terminal of said load and said second end being connected to said common point; and a differential amplifier circuit means for changing the rate of change of current in said second circuit path when the linear input signal exceeds a predetermined level so as to vary the amount of current drawn through the load by said second circuit path and thereby to vary the relationship between the output signal and the linear electrical input signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electrical input signal as recited in claim 5 wherein said differential amplifier circuit means includes a feedback circuit, said feedback circuit including a reversely biased diode which becomes conductive to complete the feedback circuit upon the output signal of said differential amplifier exceeding a predetermined level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electrical input signal as recited in claim 6 wherein said output of said differential amplifier is isolated from said second circuit path by a diode until said linear electrical input signal exceeds said predetermined level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus for producing a non-linear electrical output signal in response to a linear electrical input signal as recited in claim 7 wherein said load is a meter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |