Abstract:
An analog-to-digital conversion system in which a pulse width modulator is provided for producing a primary pulse having a width representative of a variable and in which the variable width pulse is used to gate a stream of higher frequency pulses from an auxiliary oscillator to a multistage binary counter. This auxiliary oscillator is disconnected at the completion of the primary pulse, and the binary coded number, stored in the counter, is read out, stage by stage, onto an output line. Upon completion of readout the count in the binary counter is set to zero in readiness for reconnection to the auxiliary oscillator upon receipt of the next variable width primary pulse of first polarity. In one of the aspects of the invention an improved pulse width modulator is provided in the form of a free-running oscillator having a symmetrical circuit including a saturable core reactor with windings for driving the core alternately to saturation in opposite directions and in which a modulation winding is subjected to variable modulating current from a transducer so that pulses of first polarity are produced having a pulse width which depends upon the condition of the transducer.
Abstract:
An electric motor comprises a rotor including a plurality of electret portions and a stator including an array of fixed electrode pairs for driving the electret rotor in response to an applied AC voltage. A significant advantage of this motor is the fact that it does not require either wound conductive coils or a laminated metal core; consequently, it can be more easily fabricated than typical prior art motors. In a preferred embodiment, the rotor comprises a rotatably mounted circular disc including a plurality of electret portions disposed at equal angular intervals around the rotor disc. The stator can comprise a pair of fixed discs, having a plurality of opposing electrode portions.
Abstract:
A PRESET TIMER SYSTEM INCLUDING A TIMER WHICH NORMALLY COUNTS AT A REAL TIME RATE AND PROVIDES AN ACTUATION UPON REACHING A FULL COUNT, AND AN ASSOCIATED PRESETTER WHICH SUPPLIES PULSES TO THE TIMER AT A COMPRESSED NON-REAL TIME RATE. SWITCHES ARE SELECTIVELY SET BY THE OPERATOR TO INDICATE THE DESIRED TIMER INTERVAL, AND THESE SWITCHES ARE SO CONNECTED TO ELECTRONIC DECIMAL COUNTERS THAT, WHEN THE TIMER IS PRESET, A NUMBER OF PULSES IS SUP-
LIED TO THE TIMER WHICH IS THE COMPLEMENT OF THE DESIRED TIMER INTERVAL.
Abstract:
An electrically driven oscillator device is provided with one or more electrets for establishing electrostatic coupling between a mechanical oscillating element and an electrical drive. The mechanical oscillating element can comprise a reed, a tuning fork, a pendulum, or a hair-spring balance wheel. The electrical drive can be an AC voltage source or an electronic feedback circuit. In electrically driven devices, electrets can be used in both the pickup and driving circuits to eliminate hysteresis. Alternatively, in order to isolate the pickup circuit from the driving circuit, electrets can be used in only one of these circuits and magnetic arrangements can be used in the other.