US3908151A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of and system for introducing logic into display/memory gaseous discharge devices by spatial discharge transfer
Assignee: OI Glass Inc
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Filing: 1973-06-22
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1993-06-22
Abstract
Abstract A method of introducing logic such as AND, NAND, OR and NOR functions into gaseous discharge display/memory devices having electrodes positioned to define discharge sites within a range of mutual influence so that the transfer of one site to the ''''on state'''' of discharge will, in the presence of appropriate potentials applied to the electrodes, cause an adjacent site to be placed in the ''''on state'''' of discharge by spatial discharge transfer. A transfer of the spatial discharge transfer related discharge sites to an ''''off state'''' of discharge can be accomplished by imposing coincident ''''turn off'''' signals on all related sites. Coincidence gating to an ''''on state'''' can be accomplished by inverting the matrix of sites of the device from an ''''off state'''' to an ''''on state,'''' imposing coincident ''''turn off'''' signals on all spatial discharge transfer related sites, and reinverting the matrix of sites. A system is disclosed for turning sites ''''off'''' or ''''on'''' to achieve logic functions within the device. The method and system are shown for a unitary logic function and element and for matrix or group of logic functions and elements selectively operated.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry D Schermerhorn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:10
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/20; G09G3/22; G09G3/28; G09G3/288; G09G3/296; G09G3/291; G09G3/292; G09G3/2922; G09G3/297; G09G2320/00; G09G2320/02; G09G2320/0228
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
The method of perfoming logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural discharge sub sites each comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of the proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer between at least one conductor portion and the gas, a plurality of the sub sites being grouped in a physical arrangement as a discharge cell with a spacing within a range of mutual influence such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of the cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of the cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, comprising the steps of: applying a sustaining voltage waveform across the first and second conductor arrays; and applying a turn on signal to a sub site of said cell during the continued application of the sustainer voltage whereby an on state of discharge is instituted in the remaining sub sites of the cell.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
181 words
The method of perfoming logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural discharge sub sites each comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of the proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer between at least one conductor portion and the gas, a plurality of the sub sites being grouped in a physical arrangement as a discharge cell with a spacing within a range of mutual influence such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of the cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of the cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, comprising the steps of: applying a sustaining voltage waveform across the first and second conductor arrays; and applying a turn on signal to a sub site of said cell during the continued application of the sustainer voltage whereby an on state of discharge is instituted in the remaining sub sites of the cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 1 including the step, following application of the turn on signal, of applying coincident turn off signals to all discharge sub sites of the cell during the continued application of a sustainer voltage whereby the cell is transfer to an off state of discharge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said turn on signal is applied by inverting the discharge state of all sub sites of said cell from an off state of discharge to an on state of discharge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 3 whererin the sustainer voltage waveform is shifted to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across the discharge sub site.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 4 including the step, following the sustainer shift, of applying coincident turn off signals to all discharge sub sites of the cell during the continued application of a sustainer voltage, whereby the cell is transferred to an off state discharge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method according to claim 5 including the step, following the transfer of the cell to an off state, of shifting the sustainer voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across the discharge sub site.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
126 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a plurality of discharge cells each comprising grouped discharge sub sites with the intracell spacing of grouped sub sites being such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of a cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of that cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, and the intercell spacing being such that the state of discharge in the sub sites of each celL is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of other cells, wherein the step of applying a turn on signal is selectively applied to a sub site of a cell selected to be transferred to an on state of discharge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method according to claim 7 including the step, following application of the turn on signal, of selectively applying coincident turn off signals to all discharge sub sites of the cell transferred to an on state during the continued application of a sustainer voltage whereby the selected cell is transferred to an off state of discharge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method according to claim 7 including the step of inverting the discharge state of all sub sites of the plurality of cells by shifting the sustainer voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site and the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an on state sub site is at a level which does not augment the shifted sustainer voltage sufficiently to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
196 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a plurality of discharge cells each comprising grouped discharge sub sites with the intracell spacing of grouped sub sites being such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of a cell institutes an on state of discharge sites of that cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, and the intercell spacing being such that the sub sites of each cell is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of the other cells, wherein the step of applying a turn on signal is by inverting the discharge state of all sub sites of the plurality of cells by shifting the sustainer voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across said sub site, including the step following the shift of sustainer voltage, of applying coincident turn off signals to all discharge sub sites of a selected cell during the continued application of a sustainer voltage whereby the selected cell is transferred to an off state of discharge.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method according to claim 10 including the step, following the transfer of a selected cell to an off state of discharge, of shifting the sustainer voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across said sub site and the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an on state sub site is at a level which does not augment the shifted sustainer voltage sufficiently to impose an on state volage across said discharge sub site.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
229 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a plurality of discharge cells each comprising grouped discharge sub sites with the intracell spacing of grouped sub sites being such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of a cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of that cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, and the intercell spacing being such that the state of discharge in the sub sites of each cell is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of other cells, wherein the step of applying a turn on signal is applied to at least one sub site of each of a plurality of cells and including, electrically interconnecting a sub site of each of a plurality of cells which have sub sites which are not electrically connected, and, following the application of a turn on signal to a sub site of each of a plurality of cells each having at least on sub site interconnected with another sub site of said plurality of cells, applying a turn off signal to all sub sites of a selected cell of said plurality of cells each having at least one sub site interconnected with another sub site of said plurality of cells, whereby only said selected Cell is transferred to an off state of discharge.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 121 wherein said turn off signal is applied to all sub sites of a selected plurality of cells of said plurality of cells whereby only said selected plurality of cells are transferred to an off state of discharge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method according to claim 12 including the step of turning on cells by shifting the sustainer voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an off state sub site augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site and the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an on state sub site is at a level which does not augment the shifted sustainer voltage sufficiently to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 14 wherein the step of turning on cells is performed both before and after said application of a turn off signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said turn on signal to a sub site is a voltage pulse augmenting said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of said discharge sub site.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said turn off signals are voltage pulses in opposition to said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of all discharge sub sites of the cell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 7 wherein said turn on signal to a sub site is a voltage pulse augmenting said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of said discharge sub site.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 8 wherein said turn off signals are voltage pulses in opposition to said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of all discharge sub sites of the cell.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 10 wherein said turn off signals are voltage pulses in opposition to said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of all discharge sub sites of the cell.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 12 wherein said turn on signal to a sub site is a voltage pulse augmenting said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of said discharge sub site.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 12 wherein said turn off signals are voltage pulses in opposition to said sustainer voltage applied to the conductors of the first and second arrays whose proximate portions are elements of all discharge sub sites of the cell.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
278 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a plurality of discharge cells arranged in a matrix with each cell comprising grouped discharge sub sites, each of a plurality of sub sites having a conductor comprising the proximate conductor portion thereof in one array which includes the proximate conductor portion of at least one other sub site, the device matrix having proximate conductor portions of grouped sub sites of cells in said one array and having intracell spacing of grouped sub sites such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of a cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of that cell when the arrays are subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform, the device matrix having intercell spacing such that the state of discharge in the sub sites of each cell is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of other cells, including the step of connecting conductors of said one array in electrical parallel with other conductors in said array to a common discharge state manipulating signal source uniquely combined with another conductor in said array to form sub sites grouped as cells by connecting another discharge state manipulating signal source so that each signal source Combination through combined conductors is unique; wherein the step of applying a turn on signal is applied to at least one sub site of each of a plurality of cells; and, following the application of a turn on signal to a sub site of each of a plurality of cells, applying a turn off signal to all sub sites of a selected cell of said plurality of cells.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 23 wherein the step of connecting conductors in electrical parallel is practiced on each conductor of said one array.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method according to claim 23 wherein the step of connecting conductors in electrical parallel is practiced on a first and second set of conductors to connect one conductor of each of a plurality of sub sites in the first set and the other conductor of each of said plurality of sub sites in a second set.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
120 words
The method according to claim 23 wherein each of a plurality of sub sites have a conductor comprising the proximate conductor portion thereof in each of said first and second conductor arrays which includes the proximate conductor portion of at least one other sub site and wherein the step of connecting conductors is practiced in said first and second arrays to connect conductors of an array in electrical parallel with other conductors in said array to a common discharge state manipulating signal source with each conductor uniquely combined with another conductor in said array to form sub sites grouped as cells by connecting another discharge state manipulating signal source so that each signal source combination through combined conductors is unique.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
281 words
A system for performing logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural discharge sub sites each comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of said proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer between at least one conductor portion and said gas; a plurality of said sub sites being grouped in a physical arrangement as a discharge cell with a spacing between sub sites within a range of mutual influence such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of said cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of the cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform; means to apply a sustaining voltage waveform across the first and second conductor arrays; means to shift the level of the sustaining voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of a sub site in the off state of discharge augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across the discharge sub site connected across said first and second conductor arrays and the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an on state sub site is at a level which does not augment the shifted sustainer voltage sufficiently to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site; erase signals issuing means individual to each conductor of each sub site of said cell; and addressing means for selectively actuating said erase signal issuing means in coordination with operation of said means to apply and means to shift the sustaining voltage.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
281 words
A system for performing logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural discharge sub sites each comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of said proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer between at least one conductor portion and said gas; a plurality of said sub sites being grouped in a physical arrangement as a discharge cell with a spacing between sub sites within a range of mutual influence such that an on state of discharge in one sub site of said cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of the cell when subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform; means to apply a sustaining voltage waveform across the first and second conductor arrays; means to shift the level of the sustaining voltage waveform to a level at which the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of a sub site in the off state of discharge augments the shifted sustainer voltage to impose an on state voltage across the discharge sub site connected across said first and second conductor arrays and the wall voltage on the dielectric layer of an on state sub site is at a level which does not augment the shifted sustainer voltage sufficiently to impose an on state voltage across said discharge sub site; erase signals issuing means individual to each conductor of each sub site of said cell; and addressing means for selectively actuating said erase signal issuing means in coordination with operation of said means to apply and means to shift the sustaining voltage.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system according to claim 27 wherein said erase signal issuing means are pull up pulsers and pull down pulsers; and including means coupling said pull up pulser signals to conductors having a relatively low voltage; and means coupling said pull down pulser signals to conductors having a relatively high voltage.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
103 words
A system according to claim 28 wherein said coupling means for pull up pulser signals are unidirectionally conductive means individually connected between said pulser and a respective conductor of said first and second arrays each poled to pass signals from said pulser to a respective conductor at a lower voltage than said pulser signal; and wherein said coupling means for pull down pulser signals are unidirectionally conductive means individually connected betwEen said pulser and a respective conductor of said first and second arrays, each poled to pass signals from a respective conductor at a higher voltage than said pulser signal to said pulser.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
A system according to claim 27 including a plurality of cells each comprising a plurality of sub sites grouped as a cell, said cells being spaced such that the state of discharge in the sub sites of each cell is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of other cells.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
85 words
A system according to claim 30 wherein individual sub sites of a plurality of cells have their conductor portions of said first and second arrays respectively interconnected to a common one of said erase signal issuing means, each of said cells having their sub site conductor portions connected to a unique combination of erase signal issuing means whereby only cells having all of their erase signal issuing means actuated in coincidence are transferred from an on state of discharge to an off state of discharge.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system according to claim 31 wherein said addressing means includes means to selectively actuate said erase signal issuing means to said conductor portions when said sustaining voltage is at said shifted level and when said sustaining voltage is at the unshifted level whereby a cell can be shifted selectively by erase signals between an on state of discharge and an off state of discharge.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
232 words
A system according to claim 27 wherein said device has a plurality of discharge cells arranged in a matrix with each cell comprising a group of said discharge sub sites, each of a plurality of said sub sites having a conductor comprising the proximate conductor portion thereof in one array which includes the proximate conductor portion of at least one other sub site; said discharge sub sites of each of said groups comprising a cell having proximate conductor portions in siad one array and being so spaced that an on state of discharge in one sub site of a cell institutes an on state of discharge in the remaining sub sites of that cell when the arrays are subjected to a sustaining voltage waveform; said cells being so spaced in said matrix that the state of discharge in the sub sites of each cell is independent of the state of discharge in the sub sites of other cells; means connecting conductors of said one array in electrical parallel with other conductors in said array with each parallel connected conductor uniquely combined with another conductor in said array to form sub sites grouped as cells; and wherein said erase signal issuing means are connected to said parallel connected conductors and to conductors combined therewith in cells whereby said erase signal issuing means are combined in unique combinations for each cell in said matrix.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
46 words
A system according to claim 33 wherein said connecting means connects conductors in a first group of sets and a second group of sets; and wherein each cell has a conductor from the first group of sets and a conductor from the second group of sets.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
138 words
A system according to claim 33 wherein said sub sites have a conductor comprising the proximate conductor portion thereof in the second array other than said one array which includes the proximate conductor portion of at least one other sub site; said second array including proximate conductor portions of sub sites grouped as cells; means connecting conductors of said second array in electrical parallel with other conductors in said second array with each parallel connected conductor uniquely combined with another conductor in said array to form sub sites grouped as cells, and wherein said erase signal issuing means are connected to said parallel connected conductors and to conductors combined therewith in cells respectively for each of said first and second arrays whereby said erase signal issuing means are combined in unique combinations for each cell in said matrix.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
178 words
A system for performing logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural spatial discharge related discharge sites in a physical arrangement including a control discharge site and a controlled discharge site, each said site comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of said proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer at least one conductor portion and said gas; said controlled discharge site being in discharge transfer proximity to said control discharge site; means to apply a sustainer voltage across the conductors of said control discharge site; means to apply a sustainer voltage across the conductors of said controlled discharge site; means to initiate an on state of discharge in said control discharge site; and control means to coincidently actuate said control and controlled discharge site respective sustainer voltage applying means while said control discharge site is in an on state of discharge to initiate a discharge in said controlled discharge site.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
178 words
A system for performing logic functions internally of a gas discharge display/memory device having plural spatial discharge related discharge sites in a physical arrangement including a control discharge site and a controlled discharge site, each said site comprising a conductor of a first conductor array having a portion proximate to a portion of a conductor of a second conductor array, a volume of ionizable gas in the vicinity of said proximate conductor portions and a dielectric layer at least one conductor portion and said gas; said controlled discharge site being in discharge transfer proximity to said control discharge site; means to apply a sustainer voltage across the conductors of said control discharge site; means to apply a sustainer voltage across the conductors of said controlled discharge site; means to initiate an on state of discharge in said control discharge site; and control means to coincidently actuate said control and controlled discharge site respective sustainer voltage applying means while said control discharge site is in an on state of discharge to initiate a discharge in said controlled discharge site.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
73 words
A system according to claim 36 including means to impose a discharge turn off signal on said control discharge site; means to impose a discharge turn off signal on said controlled discharge site; and a control to coincidentally actuate said control and controlled discharge site respective turn off signal means while said respective sustainer voltage applying means are actuated to transfer said control and controlled discharge sites to an off state of discharge.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3157824A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |