Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
288 words
An extender circuit for transmitting a byte of data across a distance between a first sub-bus and a second sub-bus, the extender circuit comprising: first handshake means coupled to the first sub-bus; second handshake means, coupled to the first handshake means and to the second sub-bus, for determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data and for so indicating to the first handshake means; transmission means for carrying the byte of data across the distance; first data means, coupled to the first handshake means and controlled thereby, for selectably coupling the first sub-bus to the transmission means; second data means, coupled to the second handshake means and controlled thereby, for selectably coupling the second sub-bus to the transmission means; wherein the first handshake means is operative for receiving an indication from the second handshake means that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, for indicating to the first sub-bus that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, for determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus and, responsive to said reception and determination, for causing the first data means to couple the first sub-bus to the transmission means and for thereafter indicating to the second handshake means that the byte of data is present on the transmission means; and wherein the second handshake means is further operative for receiving an indication from the first handshake means that the byte of data is present on the transmission means and, responsive thereto, for causing the second data means to couple the transmission means to the second sub-bus and thereafter for indicating to the second sub-bus that the byte of data is present on the transmission means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
288 words
An extender circuit for transmitting a byte of data across a distance between a first sub-bus and a second sub-bus, the extender circuit comprising: first handshake means coupled to the first sub-bus; second handshake means, coupled to the first handshake means and to the second sub-bus, for determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data and for so indicating to the first handshake means; transmission means for carrying the byte of data across the distance; first data means, coupled to the first handshake means and controlled thereby, for selectably coupling the first sub-bus to the transmission means; second data means, coupled to the second handshake means and controlled thereby, for selectably coupling the second sub-bus to the transmission means; wherein the first handshake means is operative for receiving an indication from the second handshake means that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, for indicating to the first sub-bus that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, for determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus and, responsive to said reception and determination, for causing the first data means to couple the first sub-bus to the transmission means and for thereafter indicating to the second handshake means that the byte of data is present on the transmission means; and wherein the second handshake means is further operative for receiving an indication from the first handshake means that the byte of data is present on the transmission means and, responsive thereto, for causing the second data means to couple the transmission means to the second sub-bus and thereafter for indicating to the second sub-bus that the byte of data is present on the transmission means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An extender circuit as in claim 1, wherein the distance is greater than twenty meters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
An extender circuit as in claim 1, wherein the distance is substantially zero.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An extender circuit as in claim 1, wherein: a first extender comprises the first handshake means and the first data means; and a second extender comprises the second handshake means and the second data means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An extender circuit as in claim 1, wherein: a plurality of sources are coupled to the first sub-bus; and a plurality of acceptors are coupled to the second sub-bus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
An extender circuit as in claim 5, wherein: a first extender comprises the first handshake means and the first data means; and a second extender comprises the second handshake means and the second data means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
An extender circuit as in claim 6, wherein: the first extender is coupled to, and is operative for transferring the byte of data to and from the sources via the first sub-bus under an IEEE Standard 488-1978 protocol; and the second extender is coupled to, and is operative for transferring the byte of data to and from the acceptors via the second sub-bus under the IEEE Standard 488-1978 protocol.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for transmitting a byte of data across a distance between a first sub-bus and a second sub-bus, the method comprising the steps in order of: determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data; indicating to a second extender, a first extender and the first sub-bus that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data; determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus; coupling the byte of data from the first sub-bus to the second extender; indicating to the second extender that the byte of data is coupled thereto; coupling the byte of data from the extender to the second sub-bus; and indicating to the second sub-bus that the byte of data is coupled thereto.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for transmitting a byte of data across a distance between a first sub-bus and a second sub-bus, the method comprising the steps in order of: determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data; indicating to a second extender, a first extender and the first sub-bus that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data; determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus; coupling the byte of data from the first sub-bus to the second extender; indicating to the second extender that the byte of data is coupled thereto; coupling the byte of data from the extender to the second sub-bus; and indicating to the second sub-bus that the byte of data is coupled thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 8, wherein the step of determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data is performed by the second extender.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as in claim 9, wherein the steps of determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus, coupling the byte of data from the first sub-bus to the second sub-bus and indicating to the second extender that the byte of data is coupled thereto are performed by the first extender.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 10, wherein: a plurality of sources are coupled to the first sub-bus; and a plurality of acceptors are coupled to the second sub-bus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method as in claim 11, wherein the steps of determining that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, indicating to a second extender that the second sub-bus is ready for the byte of data, determining that the byte of data is present on the first sub-bus and indicating to the second sub-bus that the byte of data is coupled thereto are performed in accordance with an IEEE Standard 488-1978.