Registers – Transfer mechanism – Traveling pawl
Patent
1974-11-20
1976-12-07
Ruggiero, Joseph F.
Registers
Transfer mechanism
Traveling pawl
35 19A, 35 30, 235193, G06G 706, G06G 748, G09B 2302
Patent
active
039964574
ABSTRACT:
A compact, self-contained, light-weight, easily programmable, desk-top analog computer, capable of being perpetually updated as new components and improved circuits are available. Unlike other such computers, the program panel is a combination patching, switching and electronic module board and includes all of the coefficient-setting potentiometers, voltmeters, function and mode control switches, and spare terminal strips for additional passive and active analog and digital logic circuits. Because of its small size and low cost, it could be more readily used as an aid to motivate high school and college students to study high mathematics, physics, electronics and automatic control systems. Unlike the pocket-sized digital computers, this computer provides both transient and steady-state solutions to differential equations which can be observed on an oscilloscope or graphically plotted on an x-y recorder receiving signals from computer modules. The reduction in size and weight is accomplished with the aid of integrated linear and nonlinear circuits and other subminiature components. Thus, the analog computing circuits for integrating, summing, differentiation, limiting, multiplication and division are simplified. Simplification in programming a differential equation and/or implementation by direct simulation from a functional block diagram is accomplished through a novel arrangement of parts, components, switches, jacks and diagrams to enable even the beginner to make interconnections rapidly and without the confusion sometimes associated with other analog and hybrid computers. Amplifiers may be zeroed for null voltage offset as on other analog computers. The mode controls include reset, hold, and compute as on other analog computers. Opportunity exists for introducing passive compensation or filter circuits for enhancing the stability of a control system more quickly and without tying up any operational amplifiers. This is not easily done on other analog computers. To further expedite implementing a problem on the computer panel, the user has a choice between using patch cords, toggle switches or a combination of the two, a feature not found on other analog computers. A feature worthy of merit is that none of the components need be soldered. Therefore, each is easily replaceable by others. In addition, the final preferred embodiment has been so designed that even a blind person can program a problem easily by feel. Because of the combination of visual and audio sound effects, solutions to differential equations will have added meaning to the student in mathematics, electronics and physics, contributing to his retention of objectives and purposes of the study.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3278736 (1966-10-01), Pastoriza
patent: 3309793 (1967-03-01), Bartee
patent: 3540135 (1970-11-01), Alcosser et al.
patent: 3587055 (1971-06-01), Gilbert
patent: 3728534 (1973-04-01), Bertram et al.
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