US3831095A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Receiver system having multiple contributing channels
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-03-26
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Granted: 1974-08-20
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Expires: 1993-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A system for receiving multiple transmission arriving in separate channels all modulated with identical information where the signal strengths among the channels are variable, these signals being received by separate tuners each tuned to one of the channels, the signals being combined after reception into a common audio output to which all of the channel tuners are continuously connected in such a way that the strongest channel usually is the source of the output although another channel having a comparable signal strength can also contribute. The individual tuners each have an automatic gain control lead extending from the tuner and connected and driven in parallel with all the others whereby all the gains of their respective tuners are uniformly adjusted according to the average signal level of their composite output, usually the level in the strongest channel. The system is illustrated herein by tuners receiving the plural different frequency channels on which WWV broadcasts the same information.
Inventors
- 👤 G Mounce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:02
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/02; H04B7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
A system for receiving multiple simultaneous transmissions of the same modulation information on signal carriers broadcast in different channels where the momentary signal strengths in the various channels are mutually variable, comprising: a. a separate tuner for each channel, each tuner being tuned to receive the carrier on one of the channels and each tuner having its own gain-control input; b. a common output impedance; c. separate detector means for each channel tuner, each detector means comprising an amplifier device having a high-impedance input electrode connected to be driven by its associated tuner and having an output electrode DC-coupled to said common impedance and deriving its momentary bias level from the level of the output across said impedance, means for establishing a common bias level on all said input electrodes against which the said output level establishes the momentary internal bias level of all the amplifier devices, whereby each detector means can contribute to said output level across the common impedance only when the level of its input signal exceeds said momentary internal bias level; and d. common AGC means connected to said common impedance and responsive to the output level thereacross to develop a common AGC control level, a differential amplifier for each tuner and each having an output connected to the tuner''s gain control input and the differential amplifiers having two inputs, one input being connected to said common impedance to regulate the tuner gain inversely as the magnitude of said output level and the other input being connected with means to set a fixed voltage level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
259 words
A system for receiving multiple simultaneous transmissions of the same modulation information on signal carriers broadcast in different channels where the momentary signal strengths in the various channels are mutually variable, comprising: a. a separate tuner for each channel, each tuner being tuned to receive the carrier on one of the channels and each tuner having its own gain-control input; b. a common output impedance; c. separate detector means for each channel tuner, each detector means comprising an amplifier device having a high-impedance input electrode connected to be driven by its associated tuner and having an output electrode DC-coupled to said common impedance and deriving its momentary bias level from the level of the output across said impedance, means for establishing a common bias level on all said input electrodes against which the said output level establishes the momentary internal bias level of all the amplifier devices, whereby each detector means can contribute to said output level across the common impedance only when the level of its input signal exceeds said momentary internal bias level; and d. common AGC means connected to said common impedance and responsive to the output level thereacross to develop a common AGC control level, a differential amplifier for each tuner and each having an output connected to the tuner''s gain control input and the differential amplifiers having two inputs, one input being connected to said common impedance to regulate the tuner gain inversely as the magnitude of said output level and the other input being connected with means to set a fixed voltage level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a receiver system as set forth in claim 1, each detector means comprising a transistor having its base connected as said input electrode and having its emitter connected as said output electrode and having a collector; A source of supply voltage; and an indicator transistor having an emitter-base path connected in series between the collector of each detector transistor and said supply source and each indicator transistor having a collector circuit driving an indicator means, whereby when current is drawn through said emitter-base path due to conduction by the detector transistor the indicator means will be driven by said indicator transistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a receiver system as set forth in claim 1, said means to set a fixed voltage level comprising separate adjustable voltage supply means connected to said other input of each differential amplifier and adjustable to individually alter the gain-versus-signal-level characteristic of the associated tuner, whereby the sensitivities of all of the tuners in the system can be matched for mutual cooperation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
In a receiver system as set forth in claim 3, means in each of the differential amplifiers for individually setting the levels of their outputs to the respective variable gain stages which they control to set the maximum gain thereof during conditions of zero-signal into the tuners.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a receiver system as set forth in claim 1, normally-closed switch means coupling each detector means with said common output impedance and selectively openable to isolate the corresponding tuner and detector means from said common output.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-19 | 1978-02-18 | 1978-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-19 | 1982-02-18 | 1982-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-19 | 1986-02-18 | 1986-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |