US3786418A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1972-12-13
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1992-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus is provided which includes a continuous medium for conveying signals such as a transmission line. At least one signal sending section is provided for generating and propagating signals along the medium. A first directional coupler is provided associated with the transmission line for obtaining branch signals without interrupting the conveyance of the signals along the transmission line. The branch signals are amplified and recoupled to the main transmission line by a second directional coupler. These signals are propagated in the direction of conveyance of the signals along the medium and are superimposed on the signals giving rise to the branch signals. An output signal to the terminal may be obtained through a directional coupler in response to the amplified branch signal.
Inventors
- 👤 H Nick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:23
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus comprising: a continuous medium for conveying signals; at least one signal sending means for generating and propagating signals along said medium; first means coupled to said medium for obtaining branch signals without interrupting the conveyance of said signals along said medium; means for amplifying said branch signals; and second means coupled to said medium for applying said amplified branch signals to said medium propagating in the direction of conveyance of said signals along said medium and superimposed on said signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus comprising: a continuous medium for conveying signals; at least one signal sending means for generating and propagating signals along said medium; first means coupled to said medium for obtaining branch signals without interrupting the conveyance of said signals along said medium; means for amplifying said branch signals; and second means coupled to said medium for applying said amplified branch signals to said medium propagating in the direction of conveyance of said signals along said medium and superimposed on said signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said continuous medium is a transmission line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first means coupled to said medium for obtaining branch signals without interrupting the conveyance of said signals along said medium comprises a directional coupler arranged with respect to said transmission line to cause transmission line signals to couple to a branch line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second means is a directional coupler connected to said transmission line so as to cause said amplified branch signals to couple to said transmission line travelling in the direction of signal propagation on said transmission line and superimposed on said signals from which said branch signals were coupled.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said transmission line includes means for adjusting the line length between said first and second means so that the transmission line delay can be made equivalent to the branch signal delay so that said signal coupled to the transmission line can be superimposed on said signal propagating along said transmission line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a further coupling means is provided for coupling an output signal onto an output line in response to said amplified branch signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein signal shaping means are provided in said output line for shaping pulses for use in the terminal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said signal shaping means comprises a driver circuit for producing pulses having a sharp rise time and a slow decay time and a directional coupler for coupling square wave pulses to a terminal line in response to said sharp rise time pulses.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said signal sending means includes a sending directional coupler for coupling said signal onto said transmission line in response to sending signals generated in said signal sending means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
Multi-terminal digital signal communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said signal sending means includes an input directional coupler and a gated oscillator, said input directional coupler coupling a positive and negative pulse to said gated oscillator turning said oscillator on and off, respectively, thereby generating said sending signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first means, said means for amplifying said branch signals and said second means are located at predetermined locations along said transmission medium to provide the needed signal amplification.
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) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |