Abstract:
A function generator has two sets of biased rectifying circuits connected in parallel between an input and an output. For a steadily increasing input voltage, a first group of similarly poled rectifying circuits switch off in sequence. Subsequently, for a continuing increase in the input voltage, a second group of rectifying circuits poled oppositely to the first group switch on in sequence. Their outputs are summed, via an inverting circuit, to generate a function generator output characteristic (output voltage verses input voltage) of six segments, concave upwards. In addition, there is a non-rectifying circuit connection via a resistor from input to output of the function generator giving a straight-line characteristic which is added to the characteristic of the rectifying circuits to give a resultant characteristic which can provide a uniformly increasing slope with an increasing input signal. The central part of the output characteristic is arranged, by the addition of the straight-line characteristic, to pass to one side of the origin across the input equals zero line. Since the errors in any segment of a characteristic depend on how many of the rectifying circuits are switched on, the errors are therefor cumulative from the center of the output characteristic outwards in both directions, instead of from one end to the other, and the maximum errors are thus reduced.
Abstract:
An improved strain responsive line sensor detection system which is selectively sensitive to motion of a mass on a surface. In a line sensor having a uniform thin film plated wire, the sensitivity of the line sensor falls off with distance of the intrusion from the source end of the line where are connected the high frequency drive and the processor electronics. In this invention, the angle of magnetization skew of the thin film plated wire is made monotonically non-uniform along its length whereby the sensitivity of the wire along its length changes to provide compensation for the losses in the plated wire thereby making it possible to extend the length of a thin film line sensor.
Abstract:
A magnetic flowmeter has a pair of coils each comprising a conductive pattern carried by a flexible insulating base. Each insulating base is wrapped partially around and secured to a cylindrical tube constructed of electrically insulating material. The patterns can be easily designed to produce a desired magnetic field pattern.
Abstract:
The apparatus includes logic for examining the signature of the signal received from a seismic sensor, for measuring the duration of the disturbances and the time interval between successive disturbances and for determining, on basis of such information, whether the disturbances are or are not caused by human footsteps.
Abstract:
Bipolar transistors having a narrowed base under the emitter regions are disclosed for use in fast responding circuits. The narrow base region under the emitter region is obtained during simultaneous diffusion of both regions. Further steps provide a transistor with a small, heavily doped emitter that is conveniently formed in monolithic integrated circuits.
Abstract:
High resistivity n-type gallium phosphide suitable for photodetector applications is grown from a liquid solution of gallium, gallium phosphide, and copper.
Abstract:
An automatic photographic camera which features automatic exposure control, automatic flash operation and automatic film advance and shutter cocking, includes an electronic control circuit featuring a logic circuit which is responsive to a number of parametric signals to effect a control of the timing and actuation of the several automatic functions of the camera.
Abstract:
A pulse generator circuit using a programmable unijunction transistor produces an output pulse by turning ''''on'''' the transistor by means of an integrator circuit connected across the anode and cathode of the transistor and integrating an output of a power supply while the turn-off of the transistor is achieved by exceeding a normal gate electrode current of the transistor. The augmented gate electrode current is produced by a conductive state of a zener diode to produce a low impedance, high current path to the gate electrode whereby the transistor is turned ''''off'''' shortly after the transistor has been turned ''''on'''' by the integrator. The output pulse is generated by an output transistor responsive to an inductor in the cathode circuit of the unijunction transistor which inductor produces a back voltage with a decrease in the cathode circuit current to turn ''''off'''' the output transistor.
Abstract:
A fail operational/fail passive automatic pilot system for controlling or positioning a control surface of an aircraft is disclosed. This system utilizes two computer assemblies, each including two redundant computation channels. The four computation channels receive signals from fail operational/fail passive sensor sets made up of two monitored and three unmonitored sensors. Each computation channel generates a redundant channel signal which is crossfed to each of four signal selectors. The signal selectors select signals for controlling and monitoring system operation. Failure logic associated with each signal selector suppresses sensor and system faults to achieve fail operational/fail passive system operation.