US4872007A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transducer for measuring pressure in gas-filled cables
Assignee: Nicotra Sistemi SpA
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Filing: 1987-11-16
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Granted: 1989-10-03
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Expires: 2007-11-16
Abstract
Abstract A pressure transducer includes a multiplexer unit for the selection of pressure sensors by decoding a sensor address, thereby permitting a single power supply, a single counter and a single clock generator to be used, in order to enable and transmit the measurements of a plurality of pressure sensors connected to a plurality of gas-filled cables.
Inventors
- 👤 Gianpaolo Monterosso
- 👤 Riccardo Marazzi
- 👤 Mario Nicotra
- 👤 Luciano Manenti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L19/00; G01L19/08; G01L19/083; G01L19/086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A pressure transducer for measuring the pressure within a plurality of gas-filled telephonic cables comprising: a plurality of pressure sensors, each detecting said pressure within said plurality of gas-filled telephonic cables, and each outputting a frequency signal having a frequency which is proportional to a level of said detected pressure; a multiplexer unit for selecting and enabling said plurality of pressure sensors according to a coded address assigned to each of said plurality of pressure sensors, and for transmitting each frequency signal received from each of said plurality of pressure sensors; an address generator for forming and delivering to said multiplexer unit each coded address assigned to each of said plurality of pressure sensors; a clock generator connected to said multiplexer unit through said address generator, for controlling a rate of operation of said multiplexer unit and said address generator; a power supply unit for delivering an operating voltage to said multiplexer unit, said clock generator, and said address generator; and, a single loop for supplying electric power to said power supply unit and for outputting each frequency signal transmitted from said multiplexer unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A pressure transducer for measuring the pressure within a plurality of gas-filled telephonic cables comprising: a plurality of pressure sensors, each detecting said pressure within said plurality of gas-filled telephonic cables, and each outputting a frequency signal having a frequency which is proportional to a level of said detected pressure; a multiplexer unit for selecting and enabling said plurality of pressure sensors according to a coded address assigned to each of said plurality of pressure sensors, and for transmitting each frequency signal received from each of said plurality of pressure sensors; an address generator for forming and delivering to said multiplexer unit each coded address assigned to each of said plurality of pressure sensors; a clock generator connected to said multiplexer unit through said address generator, for controlling a rate of operation of said multiplexer unit and said address generator; a power supply unit for delivering an operating voltage to said multiplexer unit, said clock generator, and said address generator; and, a single loop for supplying electric power to said power supply unit and for outputting each frequency signal transmitted from said multiplexer unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said address generator comprises a programming device for generating each of said coded addresses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multiplexer unit includes a voltage level shifter for enabling said multiplexer unit and a power supply enabling circuit for enabling said power supply unit when measuring said pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said address generator comprises a binary counter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of pressure sensors comprises a voltage-to-frequency circuit for outputting a frequency signal which is proportional to a voltage applied to an input of said voltage-to-frequency circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 2, wherein said address generator comprises a binary counter and wherein said programming device comprises bridges connecting outputs of said binary counter to said multiplexer unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power supply unit is a stabilized power supply.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multiplexer unit comprises a plurality of analog multiplexers.
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) | 1992-10-02 | 1993-04-03 | 1993-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-02 | 1997-04-03 | 1997-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-02 | 2001-04-03 | 2001-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |