US5059980A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-linear analog to digital converter
Assignee: Brooktree Broadband Holding Inc
•
Filing: 1990-10-12
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Granted: 1991-10-22
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Expires: 2010-10-12
Abstract
Abstract First terminals are equally spaced on a substantially uniformly resistive thin film at or near a first side edge of the film at progressive positions downwardly from the top of the film. Near the bottom of the film, second terminals are preferably equally spaced progressively inwardly from the first side edge of the film. An energizing potential is applied to the film either at the corner defined by the top and the first side edge of the film or in a curved pattern of positions near such corner. A reference potential (e.g. ground) is applied to the film near the otherside of the film and near the bottom edge of the film. Voltages are thus produced at the successive ones of the first terminals with an exponential relationship with respect to such terminal positions and at the successive ones of the second terminals with a linear relationship with respect to such terminal positions. The disposition of the second terminals may be compensated for deviations in a logarithmic response in an output member (e.g. an electron gun in a cathode ray tube) receiving the voltages on such terminals. Cuts may be provided from the other side edge of the resistive surface in a horizontal direction partially toward the first side edge of the resistive surface to decrease the width of the resistive surface. Each of a plurality of comparators receives an input voltage first and second and the voltage at an individual one of the terminals. The comparators provide an output indicative of magnitude of the input voltage.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry S. Katzenstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:31
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/12; H03M1/34; H03M1/36; H03M1/361; H03M1/362; H03M1/365; H03M1/367
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 74
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member provided with an electrically resistive material on one surface of the member, the member being defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, means for providing a reference voltage on the resistive material along the first side edge of the member, means for providing an energizing voltage on the resistive material at particular positions near the corner displaced from the first side edge of the resistive material, means for obtaining a logarithmic output voltage on the resistive material at first positions progressively disposed along the second side edge of the resistive material, and means for obtaining a linear output voltage on the resistive material at second positions displaced progressively from the second side edge of the resistive material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member provided with an electrically resistive material on one surface of the member, the member being defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, means for providing a reference voltage on the resistive material along the first side edge of the member, means for providing an energizing voltage on the resistive material at particular positions near the corner displaced from the first side edge of the resistive material, means for obtaining a logarithmic output voltage on the resistive material at first positions progressively disposed along the second side edge of the resistive material, and means for obtaining a linear output voltage on the resistive material at second positions displaced progressively from the second side edge of the resistive material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 1, means for providing an input voltage, and means for comparing the input voltage with the output voltage at the first and second positions on the resistive material to provide an indication of the input voltage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 2, the first progressively disposed positions being substantially equally spaced along the second side edge of the resistive material to provide an exponential relationship in the voltage at the first progressively disposed positions on the resistive material and the second progressively disposed positions on the resistive material being substantially equally spaced to provide a linear relationship in the voltage at the second progressively disposed positions on the resistive material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 3, the reference voltage being an electrical ground and the energizing voltage being a voltage with a particular magnitude, and the reference voltage being provided along the first side edge of the resistive material and along the edge of the resistive material opposite the particular positions where the energizing voltage is provided on the resistive material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a substantially planar member having first and second opposite edges and having top and bottom edges, an electrically resistive element disposed on the surface of the planar member, a first plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions along one of the side edges of the resistive element to provide a voltage having an exponential relationship at progressive ones of such terminals along such side edge, a second plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions extending progressively inwardly from the one edge of the resistive element to provide a voltage having a linear relationship at progressive ones of such terminals, and means for providing an energizing voltage to the resistive element to obtain voltages in a magnitude having an exponential relationship at the progressive terminals in the first plurality and to obtain voltages in a magnitude having a linear relationship at the progressive terminals in the second plurality.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a substantially planar member having first and second opposite edges and having top and bottom edges, an electrically resistive element disposed on the surface of the planar member, a first plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions along one of the side edges of the resistive element to provide a voltage having an exponential relationship at progressive ones of such terminals along such side edge, a second plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions extending progressively inwardly from the one edge of the resistive element to provide a voltage having a linear relationship at progressive ones of such terminals, and means for providing an energizing voltage to the resistive element to obtain voltages in a magnitude having an exponential relationship at the progressive terminals in the first plurality and to obtain voltages in a magnitude having a linear relationship at the progressive terminals in the second plurality.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 5, the resistive element constituting a thin substantially uniform layer of an electrical resistance material on the member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
73 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 6, a plurality of comparators having first and second input terminals, means for applying an input voltage to the first input terminal of each of the comparators, means for applying the voltage on each individual terminal on the resistive material to the second input terminal of an individual one of the comparators, and means for determining the input voltage from the outputs of the comparators.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 7, the voltage means providing the energizing voltage at the resistive element on particular positions relative to the terminals on the one side edge of the resistive element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 8, means for applying a ground voltage to the side edge of the resistive element opposite the one side edge of the resistive element, and the energizing voltage being provided on the resistive element at particular positions near a corner of the resistive element adjacent the one side edge of the resistive element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 6, means for applying a reference voltage to the side edge of the resistive element opposite the one side edge of the resistive element and to the particular one of the top and bottom edges opposite the particular positions on the resistive element where the energizing voltage is provided on the resistive element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
167 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member having an electrically resistive surface and having first and second opposite side edges and top and bottom edges, a plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another, some of the terminals being displaced inwardly by particular distances from the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface, means associated with the electrically resistive surface for producing, at first successive terminals in the plurality, voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminal, and means associated with the electrically resistive surface for producing, at second successive terminals in the plurality, voltages having a linear relationship with respect to the positions of such second successive terminals, the second successive terminals on the member being displaced from the first successive terminals on the electrically resistive surface in the direction between the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
167 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member having an electrically resistive surface and having first and second opposite side edges and top and bottom edges, a plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another, some of the terminals being displaced inwardly by particular distances from the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface, means associated with the electrically resistive surface for producing, at first successive terminals in the plurality, voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminal, and means associated with the electrically resistive surface for producing, at second successive terminals in the plurality, voltages having a linear relationship with respect to the positions of such second successive terminals, the second successive terminals on the member being displaced from the first successive terminals on the electrically resistive surface in the direction between the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 11, means for applying a reference voltage to the second side edge of the electrically resistive surface at positions opposite the first and second successive terminals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 12, means for applying the reference voltage to the particular one of the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface closest to the second successive terminals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 11, the reference voltage means extending along the length of the second side edge of the electrically resistive surface, individual ones of the first successive terminals being displaced inwardly on the resistive surface from the first side edge of the resistive surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 14, means for applying the reference voltage to the particular one of the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface closest to the second successive terminals, individual ones of the second successive terminal being displaced inwardly on the resistive surface from the first side edge of the resistive surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
66 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 15, the electrically resistive surface on the member being in the form of a thin film having substantially constant electrical characteristics at different positions on such surface, the second successive terminals being displaced progressively inwardly on the resistive surface from the first side edge of the resistive surface to provide an equally spaced relationship between such successive terminals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
152 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a plurality of terminals disposed on the member relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, the thin film being cut from the first side edge of the thin film through a distance partially toward the second side edge of the thin film and in a direction substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges of the thin film, means for introducing an energizing voltage on the thin film to obtain the production on successive terminals in the plurality voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminals on the member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
152 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a plurality of terminals disposed on the member relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, the thin film being cut from the first side edge of the thin film through a distance partially toward the second side edge of the thin film and in a direction substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges of the thin film, means for introducing an energizing voltage on the thin film to obtain the production on successive terminals in the plurality voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminals on the member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 17, the successive terminals in the plurality being disposed in first and second groups, the successive terminals in the first group being disposed relative to the second side edge of the thin film to provide an exponential function of voltage at such successive terminals, the successive terminals in the second group being displaced progressively inwardly from the second side edge of the thin film to provide a linear function of voltage at such successive terminals.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 18, means for providing an input voltage, and a plurality of comparators each connected to the input voltage means and to an individual one of the successive terminals in the plurality to co-operate with the other comparators in providing an indication of the value of the input voltage, individual ones of the successive terminals in the first group being displaced inwardly from the second edge of the thin film to enhance the provision of the exponential function of the voltage at the successive terminals in the first group.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 17, means for applying a reference voltage to the first side edge of the thin film along the length between the top and bottom edges of the thin film, the energizing voltage means applying the energizing voltage near the juncture of the second side edge of the thin film with one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 19, the first side edge of the thin film receiving a reference voltage, means for providing the energizing voltage to the thin film at positions near the juncture between the second side edge of the thin film and the top edge of the thin film, a third group of terminals disposed in a curved relationship near the juncture of the second side of the thin film with one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film, the energizing voltage means applying the energizing voltage to the terminals in the third group, and means for applying the reference voltage to the particular one of the top and bottom edges opposite the terminals in the third group.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 19, means for providing an input voltage, and a plurality of comparators each connected to the input voltage means and to an individual one of the successive terminals in the plurality to co-operate with the other comparators in providing an indication of the value of the input voltage, individual ones of the successive terminals in the first group being displaced inwardly from the second side edge of the thin film to enhance the provision of the exponential function of the voltage at the successive terminals in the first group.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
192 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, means for applying a reference voltage to the first side edge of the thin film along the first side edge, a first plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the second side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, means for providing a voltage between the top of the thin film and the first side edge of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at the terminals in the first plurality, and a second plurality of terminals disposed progressively on the thin film relative to the terminals in the first plurality to obtain a linear relationship of the voltages at the progressive terminals in the second plurality, the terminals in the second plurality being displaced progressively inwardly from the second side edge of the thin film in equally spaced relationship to one another.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
192 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, means for applying a reference voltage to the first side edge of the thin film along the first side edge, a first plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the second side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, means for providing a voltage between the top of the thin film and the first side edge of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at the terminals in the first plurality, and a second plurality of terminals disposed progressively on the thin film relative to the terminals in the first plurality to obtain a linear relationship of the voltages at the progressive terminals in the second plurality, the terminals in the second plurality being displaced progressively inwardly from the second side edge of the thin film in equally spaced relationship to one another.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 23, the terminals in the first plurality on the thin film providing higher voltages than the terminals in the second plurality on the thin film, and means for applying the reference voltage along the bottom edge of the thin film.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 24, individual ones of the terminals in the first plurality being disposed inwardly from the second side edge of the thin film to compensate for deviations in the output member from an exponential response.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 25, means for providing an energizing voltage to the thin film at particular positions near the juncture between the second side edge of the thin film and the particular one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film closest to the terminals in the first plurality.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 26, cuts being provided in the thin film at the first side edge of the thin film, the cuts extending partially toward the second side edge of the thin film and being disposed at progressive positions along the first side edge of the thin film.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 27, means for providing an input voltage, and a plurality of comparators each responsive to the input voltage and to the voltage at an individual one of the terminals in the first and second pluralities for cooperating with the other comparators in providing an indication of the magnitude of the input voltage.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
180 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member provided with an electrically resistive material on one surface of the member, the member being defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, means for providing a reference voltage on the resistive material along the first side edge of the member, means for providing an energizing voltage on the resistive material at particular positions near the corner displaced from the first side edge of the resistive material, means for obtaining an output voltage at progressive positions along the second side edge of the resistive material, means for providing an input voltage, and means for comparing the input voltage with the output voltage at the progressive positions relative to the second side edge of the resistive material to provide an indication of the input voltage, the progressive positions relative to the second side edge of the resistive material being substantially equally spaced relative to the second side edge to provide an exponential relationship in the voltage at the progressive positions with respect to the positions of such successive terminals.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
180 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member provided with an electrically resistive material on one surface of the member, the member being defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, means for providing a reference voltage on the resistive material along the first side edge of the member, means for providing an energizing voltage on the resistive material at particular positions near the corner displaced from the first side edge of the resistive material, means for obtaining an output voltage at progressive positions along the second side edge of the resistive material, means for providing an input voltage, and means for comparing the input voltage with the output voltage at the progressive positions relative to the second side edge of the resistive material to provide an indication of the input voltage, the progressive positions relative to the second side edge of the resistive material being substantially equally spaced relative to the second side edge to provide an exponential relationship in the voltage at the progressive positions with respect to the positions of such successive terminals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 29, the reference voltage being an electrical ground and the energizing voltage being a voltage with a particular magnitude.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
102 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a substantially planar member having first and second opposite edges and having top and bottom edges and having a particular surface, an electrically resistive element disposed on the particular surface of the planar member, a plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions at the first opposite edge of the resistive element, and means for providing an energizing voltage to the resistive element to obtain voltages in a magnitude having an exponential relationship at successive terminals in the plurality with respect to the positions of such successive terminals at the first opposite edge of the resistive element.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
102 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a substantially planar member having first and second opposite edges and having top and bottom edges and having a particular surface, an electrically resistive element disposed on the particular surface of the planar member, a plurality of terminals at equally spaced positions at the first opposite edge of the resistive element, and means for providing an energizing voltage to the resistive element to obtain voltages in a magnitude having an exponential relationship at successive terminals in the plurality with respect to the positions of such successive terminals at the first opposite edge of the resistive element.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 31, the resistive element constituting a thin substantially uniform layer of an electrical resistance material on the member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 32, a plurality of comparators having first and second input terminals, means for applying an input signal to the first input terminal of each of the comparators, means for applying the voltage from each terminal on the resistive material to the second input terminal of an individual one of the comparators, and means for determining the input voltage from the outputs of the comparators.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 33, the energizing voltage means providing the energizing voltage on the resistive element at particular positions relative to the terminals at the first opposite edge of the resistive element.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 34, means for applying a ground voltage to the second opposite edge of the resistive element, and the energizing voltage being provided at particular positions near the corner of the resistive element adjacent the first opposite edge of the resistive element.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 31, means for applying a reference voltage to the second opposite edge of the resistive element.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member having an electrically resistive surface and having first and second opposite side edges and top and bottom edges, a first plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another, means for providing a voltage to the resistive surface to obtain, on the terminals in the first plurality, voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the disposition of the successive terminals in the first plurality, a second plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another and displaced from the first plurality of terminals for producing voltages having a linear relationship with respect to the positions of such terminals in the second plurality.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a member having an electrically resistive surface and having first and second opposite side edges and top and bottom edges, a first plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another, means for providing a voltage to the resistive surface to obtain, on the terminals in the first plurality, voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the disposition of the successive terminals in the first plurality, a second plurality of terminals disposed at particular positions relative to the first side edge of the electrically resistive surface in equally spaced relationship to one another and displaced from the first plurality of terminals for producing voltages having a linear relationship with respect to the positions of such terminals in the second plurality.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 37, means for applying a reference voltage to the second side edge of the electrically resistive surface at positions opposite the terminals in the first plurality, and the second plurality of terminals being displaced from the first plurality of terminals and the reference voltage means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 38, means for applying the reference voltage to the particular one of the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface close to the second plurality of terminals.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 39, the electrically resistive surface on the member being in the form of a thin film having substantially constant characteristics at different positions on such surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 38, means for providing an energizing voltage to the electrically resistive surface at particular positions near the juncture between the first side edge of the resistive surface and the other one of the top and bottom edges.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
50 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 38, the reference voltage means extending along the length of the second side edge of the electrically resistive surface, and the second plurality of terminals being disposed at a particular one of the top and bottom edges of the electrically resistive surface.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
111 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a plurality of terminals disposed on the member relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, and means for applying a voltage difference to the thin film of the electrically resistive material in a relationship to produce on the successive terminals voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
111 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a plurality of terminals disposed on the member relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, and means for applying a voltage difference to the thin film of the electrically resistive material in a relationship to produce on the successive terminals voltages having an exponential relationship with respect to the positions of such successive terminals.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 43, means associated with the successive terminals for calibrating the voltages produced on such terminals by the voltage difference applied to the thin film of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
51 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 43, the voltage difference means applying the voltage difference between one of the side edges of the thin film and the juncture of the other side edge of the thin film with one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
54 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 45, the second side edge of the thin film receiving a reference voltage, and means for providing an energizing voltage to the thin film at positions near the juncture between the first side edge of the thin film and the top edge of the thin film.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 43, means for providing an input voltage, and a plurality of comparators each connected to the input voltage means and to an individual one of the successive terminals to co-operate with the other comparators in providing an indication of the value of the input voltage.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
160 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a first plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, means for providing a voltage between the first and second side edges of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the first plurality with respect to the positions of such terminals, and a second plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the first plurality of terminals to obtain an linear relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the second plurality with respect to the positions of such terminals.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
160 words
In combination in an analog-to-digital converter, a planar member defined by first and second side edges and top and bottom edges, a thin film of an electrically resistive material disposed substantially uniformly on the member, a first plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the first side edge of the member in equally spaced relationship to one another and in electrical communication with the thin film of the electrically resistive material, means for providing a voltage between the first and second side edges of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the first plurality with respect to the positions of such terminals, and a second plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film relative to the first plurality of terminals to obtain an linear relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the second plurality with respect to the positions of such terminals.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 48, the first plurality of terminals on the thin film providing higher voltages than the second plurality of terminals on the thin film.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
78 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 49, the second side edge of the thin film being grounded in the portion of the thin film opposite the terminals in the first plurality and a particular one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film closest to the second plurality of terminals being grounded and the first and second pluralities of terminals being disposed at progressive positions on the first side edge of the thin film.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
54 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 50, means for providing an energizing voltage to the thin film at particular positions near the juncture between the first side edge of the thin film and the particular one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film closest to the first successive terminals.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 51, the second side edge of the thin film being grounded along the second side edge and the second plurality of terminals being disposed at progressive positions along the other one of the top and bottom edges.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 49, means for providing an input voltage, and a plurality of comparators each responsive to the input voltage and to the voltage at an individual one of the terminals in the first and second pluralities for cooperating with the other comparators in providing an indication of the magnitude of the input voltage.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
84 words
In combination for calibrating an analog-to-digital converter, a member having a thin resistive film and having a plurality of terminals equally spaced from one another relative to one edge of the film, means for applying voltages to the thin film to obtain an exponential progression of voltages at successive terminals in the plurality with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, and means for calibrating the voltages produced at the successive terminals to determine any deviations in such voltages from the exponential progression.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
84 words
In combination for calibrating an analog-to-digital converter, a member having a thin resistive film and having a plurality of terminals equally spaced from one another relative to one edge of the film, means for applying voltages to the thin film to obtain an exponential progression of voltages at successive terminals in the plurality with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, and means for calibrating the voltages produced at the successive terminals to determine any deviations in such voltages from the exponential progression.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
78 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 54, the calibrating means including a capacitance, means for charging the capacitance, means for providing a discharge of the capacitance, and a plurality of comparators each responsive to the voltage on an individual one of the terminals and the voltage from the capacitance to provide a determination of any deviations from the exponential progression of the voltages at the successive terminals with respect to the positions of such successive terminals.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 55, switching means having first and second states of operation, the capacitance-charging means being operative to charge the capacitance in the first state of operation of the switching means, the capacitance-discharging means being operative to discharge the capacitance in the second state of operation of the switching means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 56, the terminals being equally spaced relative to one edge of the thin film, the opposite edge of the thin film receiving a reference voltage, and means for providing an energizing voltage at particular positions near a juncture on the thin film between the one edge of the thin film and a third edge extending between the first and second edges of the thin film. PG,57
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
217 words
In combination for calibrating an analog-to-digital converter, a member having first and second oppositely disposed side edges and having top and bottom edges, the member having a substantially uniformly thin resistive film on one surface of the thin film and having a first plurality of terminals equally spaced from one another along the first side edge of the film, means for applying voltages between the first and second side edges of the thin film along the thin film between the top and bottom edges of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the first plurality in such thin film with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, means for calibrating the voltages on the thin film at the successive ones of the terminals in the plurality to determine any deviations from the exponential relationship, a second plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film to obtain a linear relationship of the voltages at successive ones of such terminals with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, and means for calibrating the voltages on the second plurality of terminals on the thin film to determine any deviations from the linear relationship of the voltage on such terminals with respect to the positions of such terminals.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
217 words
In combination for calibrating an analog-to-digital converter, a member having first and second oppositely disposed side edges and having top and bottom edges, the member having a substantially uniformly thin resistive film on one surface of the thin film and having a first plurality of terminals equally spaced from one another along the first side edge of the film, means for applying voltages between the first and second side edges of the thin film along the thin film between the top and bottom edges of the thin film to obtain an exponential relationship of the voltages at successive ones of the terminals in the first plurality in such thin film with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, means for calibrating the voltages on the thin film at the successive ones of the terminals in the plurality to determine any deviations from the exponential relationship, a second plurality of terminals disposed on the thin film to obtain a linear relationship of the voltages at successive ones of such terminals with respect to the positions of such successive terminals, and means for calibrating the voltages on the second plurality of terminals on the thin film to determine any deviations from the linear relationship of the voltage on such terminals with respect to the positions of such terminals.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 58, the calibrating means for the exponential relationship including a capacitance and means for providing a charge in the capacitance at first particular times and means for providing a discharge of the capacitance at second particular times different from the first particular times and means for comparing the voltage across the capacitance with the voltages on the successive terminals in the first plurality on the thin film at the second particular times to calibrate the voltages on such successive terminals on the thin film.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 59, the calibrating means for the linear relationship including the calibrating means for the exponential relationship and further including a source of substantially constant current.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
44 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 60, the second plurality of terminals being disposed relative to the first side edge of the thin film at positions displaced along the first side edge from the first plurality of terminals on the thin film.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
In a combination as set forth in claim 60, the second plurality of terminals being disposed at progressive positions relative to a particular one of the top and bottom edges of the thin film.
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) | 1994-10-21 | 1995-04-22 | 1995-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-21 | 1999-04-22 | 1999-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-21 | 2003-04-22 | 2003-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |