Patent US3261594A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3979562A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Decoder
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-11-29
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Granted: 1976-09-07
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Expires: 1994-11-29
Abstract
Abstract An improved decoder is settable to recognize the digits of a preselected code and utilizes two complementary semi-conductor digital counters. Such counters draw very little current from their operating voltage supplies unless and until an energized output line of the counter is connected to a low voltage sink for such current. The first counter is advanced in response to a spacing (interdigit) pulse which follows the transmission of a digit, provided that such a spacing pulse is preceded by a "correct" digit of the preselected code number as received by the second counter. An energized output line of the first counter is connected to that output of the second counter which would be energized if the correct code digit had appeared. If the bilevel voltages of the interconnected lines are in agreement, indicating appearance of a correct code digit, they do not draw current from each other. If the bilevel voltages of the interconnected lines are in disagreement indicating appearance of an incorrect digit, very substantial current is drawn from the first counter. The current flow from the voltage supply of the first counter is monitored by a transistor switching circuit which responds to substantial current flow to order the resetting and clearing of the counters, so that the first counter can only reach its peak count if the required sequence of correct code numbers appears.
Inventors
- 👤 Dale E. Rice
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:49
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q1/00; H04Q1/18; H04Q1/30; H04Q1/44; H04Q1/444; H04Q1/446; H04Q1/448
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
308 words
Detection apparatus for indicating when a semiconductor digital counter has been advanced to a count at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage, said apparatus comprising: a semi-conductor digital counter capable of being sequentially advanced through a plurality of counts, said digital counter having a plurality of output conductors which are selectively energized in a configuration representing the then attained count of said counter, each of said conductors having a bilevel voltage thereon which is at a first level when said output conductor is energized, said digital counter drawing substantial current from its main operating voltage supply only when such current is withdrawn from said counter through one of its said output conductors; means for connecting each of said plurality of output conductors of said digital counter to a corresponding source of bilevel voltage, each said source of bilevel voltage being capable of withdrawing substantial current from an energized output conductor of said digital counter when the output voltage of said source is at the second of said bilevel voltages; supply voltage means for supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; detection circuit means coupled to said supply voltage means, said detection circuit means including a switching circuit means, said further including apparatus responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said digital counter for changing the state of said switching circuit means; and count means for incrementally advancing said digital counter to sequentially energize selected conductors of its output conductors in a configuration representing the attained count of said counter, whereby the changed state of said switching circuit means indicates that said counter has been advanced to a count at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
308 words
Detection apparatus for indicating when a semiconductor digital counter has been advanced to a count at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage, said apparatus comprising: a semi-conductor digital counter capable of being sequentially advanced through a plurality of counts, said digital counter having a plurality of output conductors which are selectively energized in a configuration representing the then attained count of said counter, each of said conductors having a bilevel voltage thereon which is at a first level when said output conductor is energized, said digital counter drawing substantial current from its main operating voltage supply only when such current is withdrawn from said counter through one of its said output conductors; means for connecting each of said plurality of output conductors of said digital counter to a corresponding source of bilevel voltage, each said source of bilevel voltage being capable of withdrawing substantial current from an energized output conductor of said digital counter when the output voltage of said source is at the second of said bilevel voltages; supply voltage means for supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; detection circuit means coupled to said supply voltage means, said detection circuit means including a switching circuit means, said further including apparatus responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said digital counter for changing the state of said switching circuit means; and count means for incrementally advancing said digital counter to sequentially energize selected conductors of its output conductors in a configuration representing the attained count of said counter, whereby the changed state of said switching circuit means indicates that said counter has been advanced to a count at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said digital counter is wholly composed of complementary semiconductor digital circuits which do not draw substantial current from the digital counter's operating voltage supply unless such current is externally withdrawn from output conductors of said digital circuits.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 which further includes a second semiconductor digital counter having output conductors selectively energized in a configuration representing the attained count of said second counter, a plurality of said sources of bilevel voltage comprising predetermined output conductors of said second digital counter, whereby the changed state of said switching circuit means indicates lack of agreement between the voltage levels of interconnected conductors of said first and second counters.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus defined by claim 3 which further includes control apparatus for selectively resetting or advancing said first counter in accordance with the state of said switching circuit means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus defined by claim 4 which includes circuit means for cyclically advancing said second counter to independent attained counts in successive independent count cycles of said second counter, said control apparatus being operable after each count cycle of said second counter for selectively resetting or advancing said first counter in accordance with the state of said switching circuit means, whereby continued advancing of said first counter is dependent on the sequence of attached counts reached by said second counter in successive count cycles thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said detection circuit means is intercoupled between said supply voltage means and said digital counter, a portion of any substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said counter flowing through said switching circuit means to change the state of said switching circuit means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein said switching circuit means comprises a transistor switching amplifier having its base-emitter junction intercoupled between said supply voltage means and said digital counter to supply current therethrough from said supply voltage means to said digital counter when substantial current is drawn by said digital counter, said transistor switching amplifier being biased by any substantial current flow therethrough to change its conduction state.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
306 words
Decoder apparatus for recognizing the digits of a preselected code number, each digit of said code number being represented by a corresponding incoming sequential set of digit pulses, said decoding apparatus comprising: a first complementary semiconductor digital counter having a plurality of output conductors having bilevel voltages thereon, said digital counter selectively energizing selected conductors of its output conductors at a first level of the bilevel voltage in a configuration representing the then attained count of said counter; a second counter having a plurality of second output conductors having bilevel voltages thereon, said second counter selectively energizing said second output conductors at said first level of the bilevel voltage in a configuration representing the attained count of said second counter; means for applying each incoming set of digit pulses to said second counter to advance said second counter to a count corresponding to the digit represented by the applied set of digit pulses; means for connecting an output conductor of said first counter to that output conductor of the second counter which would be energized if the digit set applied thereto represented a correct digit of the preselected code number; supply voltage means for supplying a predetermined one of said first and second counters with a main operating supply voltage; switching means coupled to said supply voltage means and responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said predetermined one of said counters for producing a bilevel switching signal having one level when substantial current is drawn from said supply voltage means by said predetermined one of said counters and a second level when substantial current is not drawn thereby; and means intercoupling said first counter and said switching means and responsive to said switching signal for selectively advancing or resetting said first counter in accordance with the level of said switching signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
306 words
Decoder apparatus for recognizing the digits of a preselected code number, each digit of said code number being represented by a corresponding incoming sequential set of digit pulses, said decoding apparatus comprising: a first complementary semiconductor digital counter having a plurality of output conductors having bilevel voltages thereon, said digital counter selectively energizing selected conductors of its output conductors at a first level of the bilevel voltage in a configuration representing the then attained count of said counter; a second counter having a plurality of second output conductors having bilevel voltages thereon, said second counter selectively energizing said second output conductors at said first level of the bilevel voltage in a configuration representing the attained count of said second counter; means for applying each incoming set of digit pulses to said second counter to advance said second counter to a count corresponding to the digit represented by the applied set of digit pulses; means for connecting an output conductor of said first counter to that output conductor of the second counter which would be energized if the digit set applied thereto represented a correct digit of the preselected code number; supply voltage means for supplying a predetermined one of said first and second counters with a main operating supply voltage; switching means coupled to said supply voltage means and responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said predetermined one of said counters for producing a bilevel switching signal having one level when substantial current is drawn from said supply voltage means by said predetermined one of said counters and a second level when substantial current is not drawn thereby; and means intercoupling said first counter and said switching means and responsive to said switching signal for selectively advancing or resetting said first counter in accordance with the level of said switching signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
120 words
The decoder apparatus defined by claim 8 in which in the representation of the digits of an incoming code number each set of digit pulses is followed by an interdigit pulse which marks the time space between receipt of successive digits of the code number, each interdigit pulse being applied to said second counter to reset said second counter after it has been advanced to a count by the preceding set of digit pulses, said means intercoupling said first counter and said switching means, said switching means including apparatus for receiving each interdigit pulse and selectively applying the interdigit pulse to said first counter to advance or reset said first counter in accordance with the level of said switching signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The decoder apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said predetermined one of said first and second counters comprises said first counter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said predetermined one of said digital counters is wholly composed of complementary semiconductor digital circuits which do not draw substantial current from said predetermined digital counter's operating voltage supply unless such current is externally withdrawn from output conductors of said digital circuits.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said switching means is intercoupled between said supply voltage means and said predetermined one of said digital counters, a portion of any substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said predetermined one of said digital counters flowing through said switching means to change the state of said switching means from a first state to a second state, said switching means producing said bilevel switching signal at said one or second level in accordance with the state of said switching means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said switching means comprises a transistor switching amplifier having its base-emitter junction intercoupled between said supply voltage means and said predetermined one of said digital counters for supplying current therethrough from said supply voltage means to said digital counter when substantial current is drawn by said digital counter, said transistor switching amplifier being biased by any substantial current flow therethrough to change its conduction state.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
172 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital counter to detect whether any of a plurality of current accepting sources of bilevel voltage has a predetermined voltage level, said method comprising the steps of: a. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital counter to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of bilevel voltage; 2. supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; 3. incrementally advancing the digital counter to sequentially energize its output conductors in a configuration of bilevel voltages representing the then attained count of the counter; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital counter; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each count of the counter indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of bilevel voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
172 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital counter to detect whether any of a plurality of current accepting sources of bilevel voltage has a predetermined voltage level, said method comprising the steps of: a. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital counter to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of bilevel voltage; 2. supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; 3. incrementally advancing the digital counter to sequentially energize its output conductors in a configuration of bilevel voltages representing the then attained count of the counter; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital counter; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each count of the counter indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of bilevel voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method defined by claim 14 which further includes the additional step of resetting the counter when the detection signal is produced.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method defined by claim 14 wherein said step of producing a predetermined detection signal includes the step of changing the state of a switching circuit to generate the detection signal as an output signal of the switching circuit when a substantial current is drawn from the digital counter's main operating voltage supply by the digital counter.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
182 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital counter to detect whether any of a plurality of sources of voltage has a voltage level at which the source will accept substantial current from an output conductor of the digital counter, said method comprising the steps of: 1. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital counter to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of voltage; 2. supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; 3. incrementally advancing the digital counter to sequentially energize its output conductors in a configuration of bilevel voltages representing the then attained count of the counter; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital counter; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each count of the counter indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
182 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital counter to detect whether any of a plurality of sources of voltage has a voltage level at which the source will accept substantial current from an output conductor of the digital counter, said method comprising the steps of: 1. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital counter to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of voltage; 2. supplying to the digital counter its main operating supply voltage; 3. incrementally advancing the digital counter to sequentially energize its output conductors in a configuration of bilevel voltages representing the then attained count of the counter; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital counter; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each count of the counter indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
308 words
Detection apparatus for indicating when a digital logic circuit has been set to a state at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage comprising: a semi-conductor digital logic circuit settable to a plurality of internal states and wholly composed of a plurality of complementary semiconductor digital circuits having a common supply of main operating voltage, said digital logic circuit having a plurality of output conductors which are selectively energized in a configuration corresponding to the then existing internal state of said logic circuit, each of said conductors having a bilevel voltage thereon which is at a first level when said output conductor is energized, said digital logic circuit drawing substantial current from its main operating voltage supply only when such current is withdrawn from said logic circuit through one of its said output conductors; means for connecting predetermined ones of said plurality of output conductors of said digital logic circuit to a corresponding source of bilevel voltage, each said source of bilevel voltage being capable of withdrawing substantial current from an energized output conductor of said digital logic circuit when the output voltage of said source is at the second of said bilevel voltages; supply voltage means for supplying to the digital logic circuit its main operating supply voltage; detection circuit means coupled to said supply voltage means, said detection circuit means including a switching circuit means, and further including apparatus responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said digital lotic circuit for changing the state of said switching circuit means; and, whereby the changed state of said switching circuit means indicates that said logic circuit has been set to a state at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
308 words
Detection apparatus for indicating when a digital logic circuit has been set to a state at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage comprising: a semi-conductor digital logic circuit settable to a plurality of internal states and wholly composed of a plurality of complementary semiconductor digital circuits having a common supply of main operating voltage, said digital logic circuit having a plurality of output conductors which are selectively energized in a configuration corresponding to the then existing internal state of said logic circuit, each of said conductors having a bilevel voltage thereon which is at a first level when said output conductor is energized, said digital logic circuit drawing substantial current from its main operating voltage supply only when such current is withdrawn from said logic circuit through one of its said output conductors; means for connecting predetermined ones of said plurality of output conductors of said digital logic circuit to a corresponding source of bilevel voltage, each said source of bilevel voltage being capable of withdrawing substantial current from an energized output conductor of said digital logic circuit when the output voltage of said source is at the second of said bilevel voltages; supply voltage means for supplying to the digital logic circuit its main operating supply voltage; detection circuit means coupled to said supply voltage means, said detection circuit means including a switching circuit means, and further including apparatus responsive to substantial current flow from said supply voltage means to said digital lotic circuit for changing the state of said switching circuit means; and, whereby the changed state of said switching circuit means indicates that said logic circuit has been set to a state at which a then energized one of its output conductors is connected to a current accepting source of bilevel voltage.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
193 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital logic circuit settable to a plurality of internal states and having a plurality of output conductors, to detect whether any of a plurality of sources of bilevel voltage has a predetermined voltage level, said method comprising the steps of: 1. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital logic circuit to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of bilevel voltage; 2. supplying to the digital logic circuit its main operating supply voltage; 3. setting the digital logic circuit to different internal states to selectively energize its output conductors in a configuration corresponding to the then existing internal state of the logic circuit; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital logic circuit; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each setting of the logic circuit indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of bilevel voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
193 words
The method of using a wholly complementary semiconductor digital logic circuit settable to a plurality of internal states and having a plurality of output conductors, to detect whether any of a plurality of sources of bilevel voltage has a predetermined voltage level, said method comprising the steps of: 1. connecting a plurality of output conductors of the digital logic circuit to corresponding ones of said plurality of sources of bilevel voltage; 2. supplying to the digital logic circuit its main operating supply voltage; 3. setting the digital logic circuit to different internal states to selectively energize its output conductors in a configuration corresponding to the then existing internal state of the logic circuit; and 4. producing a predetermined detection signal when a substantial current is drawn from its main operating voltage supply by the digital logic circuit; whereby the presence or the absence of the predetermined detection signal after each setting of the logic circuit indicates if a then energized one of the output conductors of said counter is connected to a source of bilevel voltage which is at a voltage level at which the source draws substantial current from the digital counter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method defined by claim 19 wherein said step of producing a predetermined detection signal includes the step of changing the state of a switching circuit to generate the detection signal as an output signal of the switching circuit when a substantial current is drawn from the digital logic circuit's main operating voltage supply by the digital logic circuit.
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) | 1979-09-07 | 1980-03-08 | 1980-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-07 | 1984-03-08 | 1984-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-07 | 1988-03-08 | 1988-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |