US4036431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for use in setting a counter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-04-02
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1996-04-02
Abstract
Abstract During the use of a counter which provides an output indicating a numeric value corresponding to the number of pulses received at a terminal of the counter and which will count either up or down dependent upon a signal at another terminal of the counter, it is frequently necessary to set the counter at the start of a counting operation so that the output of the counter indicates a specific number. Such a counter can be set so as to indicate such a number through the use of a single switch. When the switch is closed a short time interval a single pulse is applied to the first terminal of the counter. When the switch is held closed for a longer time period a signal is applied to the other terminal of the counter so as to control the direction of the counting operation and a series of pulses is supplied to the first terminal of the counter. The switch will be held closed until the counter output indicates either a desired numeric value or a number in excess of this value. If the output indicates a number in excess of this desired value the swich may be closed and opened for successive short time intervals until the specific desired numeric value is indicated by the counter output.
Inventors
- 👤 Lars F. Gidlof
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:19
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K23/00; H03K23/64; H03K23/66; H03K23/665
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
An apparatus for use in setting the output of a counting means capable of providing an output indicating a numeric value corresponding to the number of electric pulses supplied to a first terminal of said counting means, which indicated number is capable of being either increased or decreased as said pulses are supplied to said counting means in accordance with a signal supplied to a second input terminal of said counting means, said apparatus comprising: power supply means for supplying electric power, a first pulse generating means for providing a series of electric pulses capable of being counted by said counting means, said first pulse generating means being connected to said power supply means, a second pulse generating means for providing within a first time interval a pulse capable of being counted by said counting means each time a current is supplied to said second pulse generating means, control means for concurrently within a second time interval which is greater than said first time interval providing a signal to said second input terminal of said counting means and providing pulses from said first pulse generating means to said first terminal of said counting means each time current is supplied to said control means, and normally open switch means for concurrently connecting said control means and said second pulse generating means to said power supply so that when said switch means is closed current is simultaneously supplied to said control means and said second pulse generating means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
246 words
An apparatus for use in setting the output of a counting means capable of providing an output indicating a numeric value corresponding to the number of electric pulses supplied to a first terminal of said counting means, which indicated number is capable of being either increased or decreased as said pulses are supplied to said counting means in accordance with a signal supplied to a second input terminal of said counting means, said apparatus comprising: power supply means for supplying electric power, a first pulse generating means for providing a series of electric pulses capable of being counted by said counting means, said first pulse generating means being connected to said power supply means, a second pulse generating means for providing within a first time interval a pulse capable of being counted by said counting means each time a current is supplied to said second pulse generating means, control means for concurrently within a second time interval which is greater than said first time interval providing a signal to said second input terminal of said counting means and providing pulses from said first pulse generating means to said first terminal of said counting means each time current is supplied to said control means, and normally open switch means for concurrently connecting said control means and said second pulse generating means to said power supply so that when said switch means is closed current is simultaneously supplied to said control means and said second pulse generating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said first pulse generating means is an oscillator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said second pulse generating means is a single pulse generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said control means includes a time delay means, means for providing a signal to control the direction of counting of said counter, and means for connecting said oscillator to said first terminal of said counter means when said means for providing a signal is actuated, said time delay means serving to operate said means for providing a signal when said switch means is closed for a longer time interval than required for said second pulse generating means to provide a pulse to said counting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said first pulse generating means is an oscillator, said second pulse generating means is a single pulse generator, said control means includes a time delay means, means for providing a signal to control the direction of counting of said counter, and means for connecting said oscillator to said first terminal of said counter means when said means for providing a signal is actuated, said time delay means serving to operate said means for providing a signal when said switch means is closed for a longer time interval than required for said second pulse generating means to provide a pulse to said counting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
201 words
A process for setting a counting means which will count electrical pulses supplied to a first terminal thereof either up or down in accordance with a signal supplied to a second terminal thereof which comprises: concurrently supplying a signal to said counting means so as to cause it to count in a desired direction while concurrently supplying a rapid series of pulses to said first terminal of said counting means until said counting means indicates a number of pulses counted in excess of a desired setting value, thereafter operating said counting means in the opposite direction and supplying individual pulses to said counting means until said counting means indicates a desired setting value, carrying out said steps by the operation of a single switch which when closed simultaneously supplies current to a single pulse generator and to a control means, said control means serves to supply said signal and to control said series of pulses being supplied to said counter means, said single pulse generator means is capable of releasing a single pulse each time said switch is closed prior to said control means functioning to supply said signal and controlling said series of pulses being supplied to said counter means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
201 words
A process for setting a counting means which will count electrical pulses supplied to a first terminal thereof either up or down in accordance with a signal supplied to a second terminal thereof which comprises: concurrently supplying a signal to said counting means so as to cause it to count in a desired direction while concurrently supplying a rapid series of pulses to said first terminal of said counting means until said counting means indicates a number of pulses counted in excess of a desired setting value, thereafter operating said counting means in the opposite direction and supplying individual pulses to said counting means until said counting means indicates a desired setting value, carrying out said steps by the operation of a single switch which when closed simultaneously supplies current to a single pulse generator and to a control means, said control means serves to supply said signal and to control said series of pulses being supplied to said counter means, said single pulse generator means is capable of releasing a single pulse each time said switch is closed prior to said control means functioning to supply said signal and controlling said series of pulses being supplied to said counter means.
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) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |