US3893082A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic matrix control system
Assignee: THOMAS RYDER AND SON Ltd
•
Filing: 1973-12-18
•
Granted: 1975-07-01
•
Expires: 1993-12-18
Abstract
Abstract An automatic control system providing a versatile programmable unit for controlling for example machine tools, comprising means for realising a set of Boolean relationships, in electrical form, between input and output signals, means for presenting input conditions in electrical form, and means for converting the output signals into mechanical or other required form. The realising means include a bus-bar lattice or matrix arrangement wherein selected point connections across a lattice or matrix for programming purposes are made by means of uni-directional conduction devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony David Ryder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:09
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
In an automatic control system of the type comprising means for realising a set of Boolean relationships, in electrical form, between input and output signals, means for presenting input conditions in electrical form, and means for converting the output signals into mechanical or other required form, the improvements comprising: a first diode matrix including a bus-bar lattice wherein selected point connections at intersections of the lattice for programming purposes are made by means of diodes, a first interface network of inverters connected to receive said input conditions in electrical form and provide inverted input signals to the inputs of said first diode matrix, a second interface network of inverters connected to receive the outputs of said first diode matrix and provide inverted output signals, and a second diode matrix connected to receive as inputs the outputs of said second interface network and including a bus-bar lattice wherein selected point connections at intersections of the lattice for programming purposes are made by means of Diodes, whereby said first diode matrix in combination with said first and second interface networks provides an AND function and said second diode matrix provides an OR function.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
In an automatic control system of the type comprising means for realising a set of Boolean relationships, in electrical form, between input and output signals, means for presenting input conditions in electrical form, and means for converting the output signals into mechanical or other required form, the improvements comprising: a first diode matrix including a bus-bar lattice wherein selected point connections at intersections of the lattice for programming purposes are made by means of diodes, a first interface network of inverters connected to receive said input conditions in electrical form and provide inverted input signals to the inputs of said first diode matrix, a second interface network of inverters connected to receive the outputs of said first diode matrix and provide inverted output signals, and a second diode matrix connected to receive as inputs the outputs of said second interface network and including a bus-bar lattice wherein selected point connections at intersections of the lattice for programming purposes are made by means of Diodes, whereby said first diode matrix in combination with said first and second interface networks provides an AND function and said second diode matrix provides an OR function.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first interface network additionally provides direct as well as inverted input signals to said first diode matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first interface network includes circuit means for providing a cross-interlocking function between a plurality of input signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising feedback means for coupling an output of said second diode matrix as an input to said first diode matrix.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said feedback means includes a latch circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said feedback means includes a delay circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second diode matrices are of plug-board form and diode plug pins are used at selected intersections to effect programming.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second diode matrices are constructed with a pair of back-to-back diodes at every intersection and programming is effected by applying an excessive voltage in the desired direction at selected intersections to cause the reverse diode of the pair to break down and leave a uni-directional conduction path at each such selected intersection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein to facilitate the signal feed between the input and output sections, the feed bus-bars of said first diode matrix and the feed bus-bars of said second diode matrix are extended in at least one direction beyond the extremes of the respective cross bus-bars, the bus-bar extensions acting as plug-coupling elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second interface network plug connects with the bus-bar extensions of both said first and second diode matrices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third interface network including at least one relay output channel connected to an output of said second diode matrix, said delay output channel including a relay coil and a solid-state switch connected in series across a source of energizing voltage, said switch being actuated by a signal on said output of said second diode matrix.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said feedback means includes a capacitor, means controlled by an output of said second diode matrix for charging and discharging said capacitor, and a Schmitt circuit having its input connected across said capacitor and its output connected to an input of said first diode matrix.
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) | 1978-06-30 | 1978-12-30 | 1979-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-30 | 1982-12-30 | 1983-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-30 | 1986-12-30 | 1987-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |