US4881071A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transducer for measuring one or more physical quantities or electric variables
Assignee: Nicotra Sistemi SpA
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Filing: 1987-11-16
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Granted: 1989-11-14
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Expires: 2007-11-16
Abstract
Abstract A single/multiple transducer for measuring physical quantities and variables includes a multiplexer unit for selecting the sensors of physical quantities and electric variables by the decoding of an address, thereby permitting a single power supply, a single counter and a single clock generator to be used in order to enable a plurality of sensors placed in a plurality of locations and to transmit the measurements thereof, each of said sensors detecting its own physical quantity or electric variable.
Inventors
- 👤 Gianpaolo Monterosso
- 👤 Riccardo Marazzi
- 👤 Mario Nicotra
- 👤 Luciano Manenti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:16
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D21/00; G01D21/02; G08; G08C; G08C15/00; G08C15/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
A transducer for measuring one or more conventional physical quantities and electric variables, comprising: at least one sensor, each of said at least one sensor detecting either a physical quantity or an electric variable, and outputting a frequency signal having a frequency which is proportional to a level of either said detected physical quantity or said detected electric variable; a multiplexer unit for selecting and enabling said at least one sensor according to a coded address assigned to each of said at least one sensor, and for transmitting each said frequency signal received from each of said at least one sensor; an address generator for forming and delivering to said multiplexer unit each said coded address assigned to each of said at least one sensor; 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 delivering each said frequency signal transmitted from said multiplexer unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
A transducer for measuring one or more conventional physical quantities and electric variables, comprising: at least one sensor, each of said at least one sensor detecting either a physical quantity or an electric variable, and outputting a frequency signal having a frequency which is proportional to a level of either said detected physical quantity or said detected electric variable; a multiplexer unit for selecting and enabling said at least one sensor according to a coded address assigned to each of said at least one sensor, and for transmitting each said frequency signal received from each of said at least one sensor; an address generator for forming and delivering to said multiplexer unit each said coded address assigned to each of said at least one sensor; 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 delivering each said frequency signal transmitted from said multiplexer unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said address generator comprises a programming device for generating each said coded address.
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 is required.
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 at least one sensor comprises a voltage-to-frequency converter for outputting a frequency signal which is proportional to a voltage applied to an input of said voltage-to-frequency converter.
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
19 words
A transducer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multiplexer unit is comprised of 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) | 1992-11-13 | 1993-05-15 | 1993-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-13 | 1997-05-15 | 1997-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-13 | 2001-05-15 | 2001-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |