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US4255790A
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Programmable pulse generating system
Assignee: MICRO-DATA COLLECTION INC A CORP OF
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Filing: 1978-09-25
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Granted: 1981-03-10
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Expires: 1998-09-25
Abstract
Abstract This system generates output pulses in successive periods of time, each including sub-intervals during which the output pulses may be varied in accordance with a pre-determined scheme. The time periods and sub-intervals within the periods are defined by means of signals derived from a fundamental clock frequency generation circuit and first and second parallel sets of frequency division circuits connected to the fundamental frequency generation circuit. The first set of frequency division circuits is used together with a sub-interval timing circuit to define the sub-intervals of time included in each period. A system control means is connected to the frequency generation and division circuits, the timing circuits, a means for entering information into the system defining the periods and sub-intervals and the characteristics of output waveforms to be produced in each sub-interval, and to a variable electrical signal generation means which produce the output waveforms in accordance with the information entered into the system. Since the time periods, sub-intervals and output waveforms are all variable in accordance either with a pre-determined scheme, or on a real time basis depending on response of a subject under test, this system may be used to generate complex strings of waveforms especially suitable for measuring responses of biological samples to stimulation by electrical signals in pharmacological, physiological and other biomedical applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Luc M. Hondeghem
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:17
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/64; H03K3/72; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/02; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/025; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36014; A61N1/3603; A61N1/36034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A waveform generating system, which comprises: (a) means for generating waveforms during a plurality of time periods, each including sub-intervals, (b) waveform generation control means connected to said waveform generating means for defining the characteristics of the output waveform during each sub-interval, (c) timing means connected to said waveform generation control means for defining the periods and sub-intervals, (d) means for entering information into the system to define the periods, sub-intervals and characteristics of the output waveform, and (e) system control means connected to said information entering means, timing means and waveform generation means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A waveform generating system, which comprises: (a) means for generating waveforms during a plurality of time periods, each including sub-intervals, (b) waveform generation control means connected to said waveform generating means for defining the characteristics of the output waveform during each sub-interval, (c) timing means connected to said waveform generation control means for defining the periods and sub-intervals, (d) means for entering information into the system to define the periods, sub-intervals and characteristics of the output waveform, and (e) system control means connected to said information entering means, timing means and waveform generation means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The waveform generating system of claim 1 in which said timing means including two sets of timing circuits which alternatively produce period and sub-interval defining signals during successive time periods, conditioning of the set of timing circuits not producing the defining signals to produce defining signals during a succeeding period in which the other set of the timing circuits is producing the defining signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The waveform generating system of claim 1 in which the time periods and sub-intervals are defined from selectively gated signals produced by a fundamental clock frequency generator and two parallel sets of counters for dividing the frequency produced by the frequency generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The waveform generating system of claim 1 in which the output waveforms are programmable with respect to voltage level, current and duration for each sub-interval.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The waveform generating system of claim 4 additionally comprising: (f) response input signal means for receiving response waveforms from a biological sample to which the output waveforms from the system are supplied, and (g) means for altering the characteristics of output waveforms during a subsequent time interval on the basis of the response waveforms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
197 words
A programmable system for generating electrical pulses to be supplied to a biological sample, which comprises: (a) a fundamental clock frequency generation circuit, (b) a plurality of frequency division circuits in first and second sets connected to an output of said fundamental frequency generation circuit, (c) a period timing circuit connected to an output of each frequency division circuit in the first set and responsive to output signals from said first set frequency division circuits selectively to define given periods of time, (d) a sub-interval timing circuit connected to an output of each frequency division circuit in said second set and responsive to output signals from said second set frequency division circuits selectively to define sub-intervals of time in each period defined by said period timing circuit, (e) variable duration electrical signal generation means, (f) means for storing information identifying period and sub-interval duration and signal characteristics desired during the sub-intervals of the periods, and (g) control means responsive to the stored information and connected to the variable electrical signal generation means for generating signals in each period during the sub-intervals defined by the sub-interval timing circuits in accordance with the information in said information storage means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
197 words
A programmable system for generating electrical pulses to be supplied to a biological sample, which comprises: (a) a fundamental clock frequency generation circuit, (b) a plurality of frequency division circuits in first and second sets connected to an output of said fundamental frequency generation circuit, (c) a period timing circuit connected to an output of each frequency division circuit in the first set and responsive to output signals from said first set frequency division circuits selectively to define given periods of time, (d) a sub-interval timing circuit connected to an output of each frequency division circuit in said second set and responsive to output signals from said second set frequency division circuits selectively to define sub-intervals of time in each period defined by said period timing circuit, (e) variable duration electrical signal generation means, (f) means for storing information identifying period and sub-interval duration and signal characteristics desired during the sub-intervals of the periods, and (g) control means responsive to the stored information and connected to the variable electrical signal generation means for generating signals in each period during the sub-intervals defined by the sub-interval timing circuits in accordance with the information in said information storage means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The programmable system of claim 6 in which said variable electrical signal generation means and said timing circuits are triggered by at least some common triggering signals simultaneously to make delays in said timing circuits transparent to a user.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The programmable system of claim 7 in which means is provided for adding in clock pulses which would otherwise be missed by said timing circuits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 6 additionally comprising a digital to analog converter connected to said variable duration electrical signal generation means for providing analog voltage levels during the sub-intervals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising an analog to digital feedback loop connected between said digital to analog converter and said variable duration electrical signal generating eans.
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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) | 1984-03-09 | 1984-09-08 | 1985-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-09 | 1988-09-08 | 1989-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-09 | 1992-09-08 | 1993-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |